Steamers roll in

Katikati juniors lead rugby premiers onto their turf

Katikati was treated to a feast of rugby on Friday with premier Mitre 10 Cup side, BOP Steamers finishing their pre-season at Moore Park.

Auckland won 16-14 with the Steamers season proper starting against Taranaki tomorrow in Rotorua.

Steamers head coach Clayton McMillan wasn’t too distressed and is pleased with the squad they have assembled for the 2018 campaign. NZ Rugby Union coach and former All Black coach Sir Graham Henry was also on the sideline in Katikati.

The curtain-raiser was a Toi Ohomai Baywide Secondary Schools 1st XV Division 2 semifinal, with Katikati College taking the win over O¯ po¯ tiki College 24-15. Katikati College head to the finals in Rotorua this weekend — kickoff is 3.30pm.

The large crowd got to see the speed at which the two select women’s 7s sides — BOP and Japan — played and the juniors showcased their agility in a rippa rugby match. The juniors, some who got to run out onto the field with the Steamers were in awe getting up close to the players afterwards.

The following day at Moore Park, in the Jock Hobbs preseason match Bay of Plenty Under 19s beat Auckland B U19s 47-14.

The BOP and Japan invitational womens’ 7s teams after their match.

Katikati College1st XV win the lineout over O¯ po¯ tiki College1st XV

PHOTOS CHRIS STEEL Steamers powerhouse driving with the ball.

Former All Black coach Sir Graham Henry who returned this year to coach Auckland, was on the sideline in Katikati.