Rugby: Bay has the talent to taste rep rugby

Last year, the Bay of Plenty under-16 team fell one game short of taking out the Northern Region rugby competition. This year, new coach Brendon Webby believes his team has the skills and talent to go one step further.

With Bay of Plenty getting the opportunity to have two teams in the competition after King Country's withdrawal, Webby said more players would get a taste of representative rugby.

"At this age group, you have a lot of players who develop [physically] at different times. It's no good throwing a 15-year-old who weighs 70kg up against someone who is nearly 100kg.

"But, with the Bay having an A team and a development team, it gives those who haven't quite developed a chance to see what it's like."

Webby, a dairy farmer from Waikite Valley, has taken over the role previously held by James Porter.

Two squads also increased the chances of winning this year's title, he said.

"James did an awesome job and we want to continue where he left off. Our main competition will be Waikato, who beat us last time. We will have to be at the top of our game to get up there and beat them."

The coach has plenty of talent to choose from with 66 trialists chosen from 15 schools within the region.

Reporoa College has continued its tradition of producing quality forwards with the likes of hooker Ben McDell and prop Kerry Power getting a trial. John Paul College has contributed to the forward pack with two locks who have speed and aerial skills.

Ben Webby is a 15-year-old, who at 1.93m shows no fear when going high for the ball, while his schoolmate Scott Mathis stands at 1.90m and is deceptively quick.

Tauranga Boys' College has a wealth of speed to contribute to a Bay of Plenty squad, with wingers Christian Kelly and Hamish Symes joining class act Connor Fifita at fullback.

The under-16 trials will be played on July 15 at Paengaroa Domain.

Webby, the first XV coach at John Paul College, is assisted by Alan Pike from Trident High School. Tauranga Boys' College mentor Charles Williams and Andrew Bartrum from Bethlehem College will coach the development team.

Meanwhile, Bay of Plenty under-18 trials will be held on Sunday, also at Paengaroa Domain, to find 26 players to represent the province in the Northern Region competition during August/September.

Eighty nominations received from 12 secondary schools and seven clubs have been reduced to 45 trialists.

Eastern Bay coach Craig Sinkinson will be assisted by James Porter.