Rugby: Bay of Plenty beaten by Auckland East in Roller Mills final

Nacani Batidravu, pictured playing for Te Puke in the Tai Mitchell tournament, scored the try of the final for Bay of Plenty yesterday. Photo/File

Bay of Plenty played some excellent rugby to get through to yesterday's Roller Mills Tournament final at St Peter's College, Cambridge, but like last year they lost to Auckland East.

The final score of 29-17 gave Auckland East their fifth consecutive title in the second longest-running rugby competition in New Zealand after the Ranfurly Shield.

The dominant factor in the final was undoubtedly the near gale-force wind blowing diagonally down the pitch.

Bay of Plenty had first use of it and were quickly into their game against a powerful and big Auckland East side. The first try came after the backs combined well to get to within a metre of Auckland's line, and from the resulting ruck outstanding halfback Tane Howe dived over for the try.

They were in again minutes later after Auckland's kick-off blew back behind the kicker. From the scrum, Fijian flyer Nacani Batidravu took off on a great 45m run for a fine individual try. Ethan Forbes converted for a handy 12-0 lead.

Auckland came close to scoring through their danger man Nasoni Tava on the right wing and a few plays later he did score, as Auckland sent most of their attacks down his side.

Bay of Plenty missed a penalty attempt but shifted the lead out to 17-5 after the backs moved the ball quickly and Cameron Glasgow was first to react from the ruck near Auckland's line to score near the corner.

The advantage was crucially reduced right on halftime with a brilliant individual try to Auckland fullback Nathaniel Pole, who went through some weak tackles on his way to the goal line. The try was converted for a 17-12 lead to Bay of Plenty that needed to be far greater in the conditions.

With Auckland's power and the wind behind them in the second spell the lead did not seem enough - and so it proved. Auckland only needed six minutes of play to tie the scores when they crossed after some concerted pressure.

Bay of Plenty fought back well into the strong wind and had one scoring chance that was thwarted by a defensive penalty awarded to Auckland on their goal line. After that it was all Auckland as they took control of the game, scoring two more tries to take the victory.

Bay of Plenty halfback Tane Howe and winger Nacani Batidravu were rewarded for their fine form with selection in the tournament side.

Bay of Plenty coach Cliff Honey says his team should have used the wind more in the first half.

"And we didn't react enough playing into it but saying that, Auckland East are a very physical and well-drilled side," he said.

"This was one of my best sides I have coached, with boys growing into young men who went out there today to do battle."

Honey steps down as Bay of Plenty head coach after eight years in charge of the team.