The Bay of Plenty Under 19 lads proved their worth when they took to the rugby field against the Yorkshire Under 20's this week at Arataki Park.

The boys, who were assembled back in Feburary, won their first game of this season with a 48-22 win over the Yorkshire Under 20's on Wednesday, July 26 at 6pm.

Previous to the game, the team knew competing against the Yorkshire team would be a challenge, with them winning their first two games on tour.

'They are renowned for their physicality and they will present a really good challenge for our boys,” says Bay of Plenty Under 19 coach Mike Rogers.

On top of that, BOP Under 19 also had a few abscesses with members playing in the Premier and Development final on Saturday along with the Premier two semi-finals instead.

However, Mike says he was still excited to get the season underway and had full confidence in the team.

'This presents an opportunity for a number of our squad members to stake a claim for a starting spot,” says Mike.

The team was selected by Mike and his management to be captained by Te Puke Sports Joe Johnston.

Bay of Plenty Under 19 Team List:

Jarryd Broughton - Te Puke Sports

Sam Bright - Rangataua

Tevita Mafileo - Tauranga Sports

Stan Van Den Hoven - Greerton Marist

Marijn Huis - Rangataua

Mitch Holton - Te Puna

Joe Johnston - Te Puke Sports (Captain)

Arthur Leveanasiga - Rangataua

Keegan Rowley – Whakarewarewa

Kaleb Trask - Tauranga Sports

Aaron Tait - Tauranga Sports

Charlie Lawrence - Tauranga Sports

Will Ngatai - Te Puna

Josh Honey - Tauranga Sports

Oisin Clarken - Tauranga Sports

Cheyenne Dalley - Te Puke Sports

Jessie Williams - Tauranga Sports

Fatu Mareko - Te Puna

Gus McDonald - Te Puna

Keanau Howe - Opotiki

Sua Selau - Te Puna

Unavailable due to other playing commitments:

Ajay Mua (Tauranga Sports), Bailey Simonsson (Greerton Marist), Uliti Uilou (Mount Maunganui Sports), Tera Whata (Rotoiti), Tame Curtis (Rotoiti), Sione Afu (Arataki), Momo Niwa (Arataki), Devin Tetai (Whakatane Marist), Liam Morrison (Te Puna Development), Keita Yamamoto (Te Puna Development), Steven Masters (Te Puna Development)

Unavailable due to injury:

Ricky Van Der Heyden (Arataki), Dymond Ioane (Te Puke Sports), Champ Betham (Tauranga Sports), Raniera Whakataka (Rotoiti), Matt Van Leuwen (Whakarewarewa), Manaia Harawira (Rangataua), Rewita Biddle (Te Puna)