“Our forwards were outstanding and, once again, with a bit of luck this was a game we could have won, but that’s rugby.”
Mid Canterbury skipper and openside flanker Jon Dampney opened the scoring with a try after nine minutes, only for the Bay to reply almost immediately with a try to openside flanker Corban Barbara.
Mid Canterbury failed to secure the restart and the ball was spread wide to right-winger Leigh Bristowe, who beat two men and drew another. When he looked for support, Barbara — as all good openside flankers should be — was on his shoulder and levelled the scores.
Mid Canterbury reclaimed the lead in the 18th minute when fullback Ewen Scott finished off a good break from left-winger Seta Koroitamana. But again the Bay hit back almost immediately with a try to their man of the match, No.8 Tamanui Hill.
After strong runs from Hill and lock Dan Goodwin, the Bay were awarded a kickable penalty but first five-eighth Kahu Tamatea kicked for touch. Hooker Geoff Pari was on the money with his throw-in, Hewson took the ball down and, following a drive across the line, Hill emerged with the ball.
At this stage, the home forwards were matching their more experienced counterparts and the Bay deservedly hit the front when Pari scored. Second five-eighth Ethine Reeves converted from out wide for a 17-10 lead after 23 minutes.
But Mid Canterbury, with second-five Nete Caucau, in scintillating form, showed why they are unbeaten and on course for a third successive Meads Cup title.
Fullback Ewen Scott closed the gap to one point with two penalties, before a try to Koroitamana gave the visitors a 21-17 lead at hafltime.
Five minutes into the second half, Adam Ross was yellow-carded for a no-arms tackle and Bay second-five Ethine Reeves reduced the deficit with a penalty.
Although a man short, Mid Canterbury stretched the gap when flanker Sam Watt, on for Scott Vessey, scored a try with his first touch of the ball. Fullback Scott converted and kicked a penalty to extend the lead to 31-17.
Right-winger Ashton Tuck sealed the win with a runaway try after the Bay turned the ball over inside Mid Canterbury’s 22.
Mid Canterbury coach Grant Keenan was happy with the win and glowing in his praise of the Bay.
“I’ve watched all Poverty Bay’s games on TV this season and watching them today, they’re a much better side than their results indicate. Some seasons things go your way and you get the breaks, and you don’t.”
While the Bay forwards took the honours, Reeves and Bristowe were once again lively on attack.
The loss keeps the Bay second-bottom of the table with two games remaining, away to third-placed Wanganui on Saturday and home to second-placed South Canterbury.
