There will be few more interested spectators at the performances of the Western Bay team's performances in the BOPRU Baywide playoffs than the recently appointed WBOPRFS Stan Meads Cup team management.
Bruce Mack, who guided Western Bay to Te Hurinui Apanui success a few seasons ago, has been appointed coach,with Rangataua identity Murray Ririnui taking up the assistant coach role.
The team will be managed by another well known local rugby identity in Matt Welsh, with all three team management bringing a wealth of rugby experience to the team.
Last season Western Bay of Plenty used their get out of jail card to overcome Eastern Bay of Plenty in the playoff for third place in the Stan Meads Cup played in Whakatane. Along with the Stan Meads playoff, there was Bay of Plenty sub-union pride on the line, with the game doubling as the last Te Hurinui Apanui challenge of the season.
Eastern Bay shot out to a 17-0 lead in the first half. While Western Bay settled down to put some points on the board, the home side took a 26-10 lead into the half time break. Western Bay were playing catch-up rugby in the second spell, but dug deep to work their way back into the encounter.
However Western Bay kicker Darrell Houia calmly stepped up and kicked the ball over the crossbar from out wide to give his team a dramatic victory by 34-33.
This year Western Bay face a tough ask in their Stan Meads Cup season opener on Saturday the 17th August. They will square off with defending titleholders Te Awamutu in Otorohanga. Also at stake is the challenge prize of the time honoured Peace Cup, which Te Awamutu will also put on the line.
Last season the Waikato sub-union dispatched the Western Bay side 26-13 in the semifinals.
Needing to win two games to guarantee a place in the top four to play off for the Stan Meads Cup, Western Bay's mission gets no easier after Te Awamutu. Second up is arch rivals Central (Rotorua) sub-union with the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield also on the line, before meeting former Peace Cup heavyweights Hamilton in the last Pool B game.
Western Bay of Plenty Stan Meads Cup Schedule
August 17: Te Awamutu v Western Bay of Plenty, Island Reserve, Otorohanga
August 24: Central Bay of Plenty v Western Bay of Plenty, Ngongotaha RFC, Rotorua
August 31: Western Bay of Plenty v Hamilton, Tauranga
