Sports Talk: Steamers appreciate everything about Bay

Willie Ripia. Photo / George Novak

It is a privilege to represent your region in your chosen sport and to be able to pull on the jersey, the singlet, the shirt, the uniform is certainly a proud moment.

Family, friends, supporters and sponsors share the pride - the highs, the lows and those 'almost got there' moments. Then there is the added responsibility of being 'under the spotlight' on and off the field of play. Representing our magnificent Bay of Plenty is not just about performances in competition but equally how our teams perform off the field. And it is always rewarding to get positive feedback from teams who travel to other regions.

Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Willie Ripia refers to our region as 'his paradise' and this is how he has opened his post match welcome to visiting teams following each of the Steamers' home games this year.

Bay of Plenty rugby shares in the pride of all of our players and a standout for us this year was the secondary school girls' team who won the Northern region title. Along the way they defeated traditional powerhouses Waikato, Counties and Auckland. The Steamers had a very difficult year in the ITM Cup, including four games that were lost by three points or less.

Each game, every player pulled his jersey on with pride, knowing that he carried the support of his region.

While the team did not perform to their own expectations on the field, they also worked hard in the community. The school children were proud to meet the players at the numerous schools visited.

Indeed, the loyalty and pride shown from supporters, sponsors and the community as a whole was acknowledged by the team. Pride goes both ways, those who are prepared to share the good, the bad and the ugly make Bay of Plenty Rugby proud to be associated with them.

We have another opportunity to show the country what it means to be Bay Proud when we host the National Sevens in Rotorua on the weekend of January 11-12. This event is about provincial pride and we urge the local community to support this event.

There are many ways to be involved through volunteering, sponsorship or by bringing the family along for a great Bay of Plenty experience.