Rugby: Bay win under 19 opener

Whakarewarewa's Jesse Mason-Grant scored for the Bay of Plenty U19's today. Photo/File

Bay of Plenty Under 19s twice came from behind to win their opening game of the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 tournament in Taupo today.

Bay of Plenty are playing in the Michael Jones Trophy, the lower, championship, division of the tournament.

The Bay started well, but Harbour dominated the first half hour, racking up a 17-3 lead.

With their backs to the wall Whakarewarewa's Jesse Mason-Grant barged over for the Bay, but had to wait for the TMO to confirm the score. Reece MacDonald converted to make it 17-10.

It proved to be false dawn, as by half time, Harbour had extended the lead to 24-10.

Within 10 minutes of the restart, the scores were level at 24-24. Brad Armstong scored minutes into the second half with Angus McDonald also going over.

MacDonald put the Bay in front after a penalty from out wide had hit the posts, only for Harbour to infringe as they tried to recover the ball, giving MacDonald a much easier second chance.

The game then see-sawed, with Harbour hitting back with a try out wide to retake the lead with 10 minutes to go.

The Bay's Alex Pohla scored to restore his side's advantage, MacDonald converting from out wide to make it 34-31, and in the final minute Leethan Rawiri added the icing to the cake in the final minute, making it 39-31.

The win sets up a Battle of the Bays clash with Hawkes Bay on Sunday.