Sideline Sid Sports correspondent & historian www.sunlive.co.nz

Bay of Plenty 40 Australia 16, at the Rotorua International Stadium on the first day of spring in 1982, still remains top of Bay of Plenty Rugby representative upsets.

The first Bay of Plenty rugby representatives made their debut against Wellington on the 3rd June 1912, and always laid down the challenge to visiting international sides, until regular New Zealand in-bound tours became a casualty of professional rugby.

Looking back at the historic 1982 match provided a window into the relationship between club and representative rugby - then and today.

In 1982, there was a direct link from senior club rugby to the NPC (National Provincial Championship) season. Club players would attempt to impress the provincial selectors from the get-go of the new rugby year.

A look back at the composition of the Bay side that shocked the Aussies in 82, provides the evidence, of the then pathway to the Bay of Plenty representative team.

The Bay heroes of the day, were drawn from United Pirates in Te Puke (3) St Michael's (2) Eastern Districts (2) Rangiuru, Paroa, Opotiki United, Kahukura, Te Puna, Waikite, Ngongotaha and Otumoetai Cadets.

It is worth recalling that the hammering that Bay of Plenty administered to the visitors, resulted in the Australian players standing together and clapping the local victors from the field, at the end of the encounter.

Bay of Plenty posted 16 unanswered points in the first half, courtesy of tries awarded to Mark Basham and John Cameron, with Ron Preston slotting two penalties and a conversion.

Hika Reid, was in the right place at the right time, capitalising on Bay of Plenty centering kicks to seize the ball and crash over for two touchdowns, in the second half.

Gordon Tietjens grabbed a try from a five metre scrum, with Ronnie Preston, finishing the game with a personal tally of 20 points from a try, five conversions and two penalty goals. In 1982 a try was valued at just four points, which puts the Bay score at 46 in today's calculations.

One thing that I can remember, was that the Blue and Gold brigade went into the match as major underdogs.

The inaugural 1976 NPC champions, had fallen from the dizzy heights of success, going into the clash with a five game - five loss NPC season record.

I can further remember, that the crowd of ten thousand odd spectators was considered relatively modest, in light of the poor Bay performances leading into the encounter.

The Bay team finished the NPC title race with just a solitary win on their season record sheet.

All Black's Hika Reid and Frank Shelford, were the best known Bay of Plenty players, with Gary Braid and Steve McDowell later wearing the black jersey. Mark Basham and Ron Preston also received higher honours with New Zealand Junior team selection.

Fast forward to today where the Bay of Plenty selectors are finalising their 2023 Bunnings Warehouse NPC squad. Professional rugby dictates that a number of the chosen BOPRU Steamers will be fly-in, fly-out players, who play rugby for monetary reward.

There is still the opportunity for Baywide premier players to earn a Steamers spot.

However the pecking order seems to be local Super Rugby returnees and other outside Super Rugby players to fill specialist positions.

Local club players need to force their way into the squad with outstanding performances in Baywide rugby competition.

With four weeks to go before the 2023 Baywide Club champions are crowned, the clock is ticking down, as the local Steamers contenders look to nail a NPC representative spot and earn a coveted blue and gold uniform.