Rugby: Bay play with heart but overwhelmed in opener

Photo / Thinkstock

The Bay of Plenty under-19 men's team have lost their opening match at the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under-19 Rugby Tournament.

The Bay under-19 side faced Canterbury on Sunday at Owen Delany Park in Taupo, going down 32-6.

Bay coach Brendon Webby said it had been a tough game: "We were in the hunt at halftime, the score was only 13-6.

"The boys were playing with a lot of passion, which was really pleasing. In the second half we gave away a little too much possession.

"The reality is Canterbury are a good team but we played with plenty of determination.

"We were able to get some positives out of the game with Troy Webber, blindside flanker, and Aiden Ross, loosehead prop and captain, being the standout players for that match."

He said their attention would now turn to their next match tomorrow against Otago, in Taupo.

"We watched Otago play yesterday and they're bigger and fitter than us, so we're just going to have to win the battle.

"Otago being a provincial union that's based in a Super Rugby franchise, they'll obviously be the same as Canterbury, more superior than us at the moment in that division.

"So we'll be looking to bring a point of difference to the game. A bit of Bay pride. Representing our province and our union with pride."

Bay captain Aiden Ross said they had been together for about 10 weeks.

"We'll be representing the Bay with pride, as we always do, for this next match."

The Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under-19 Rugby Tournament is a new competition and looks to boost the game at under-19 level.

"Being here as a team in Taupo has been awesome so far. The tournament is such a great set-up, having the chance to play teams you wouldn't usually play like the South Island teams and being able to mix and mingle with all the other players is pretty cool, plus the boys are loving all this free food."

Bay of Plenty's third and final match will be on Saturday.