Bay of Plenty returned to the scene of last season's second division NPC rugby final but this time left victorious after their win over Nelson Bays at Trafalgar Park.
Beaten 14-13 by Nelson in last year's championship decider, the Bay outscored the home team bythree tries to one. Only the accurate goalkicking of Warren Johnston kept the home team close. His 100 per cent success during the first half allowed Nelson to turn just five points behind, 15-20, after the Bay had produced some classy try-scoring action.
Centre Rico Gear and double try-scoring wing Keith Pryor provided the finish to some clever backline attacks, although Nelson stormed right back into contention 11 minutes after the restart when left wing Steve Dunn surged across out wide to help level the scores at 20-20.
First five-eighths Dean Jennings completed the Bay's win with two further penalties goals, leaving Nelson Bays to desperately try and snatch a late win.
But the Bay defence was unrelenting as Nelson spent most of the second half unsuccessfully trying to break out of their own half.
Loose forwards Clayton McMillan, Craig De Goldi, David Gorrie and hooker Thompson Tapsell were key contributors to the Bay's strong defensive effort.
Five-eighth Jennings controlled play well while Pryor and Sam Hala showed excellent pace on the wings.
