Steamers triumph in historic Eden Park win

It's a proud historic moment for the Bay of Plenty Steamers bringing home the John Drake Memorial Trophy. Image: BOP Rugby.

The mighty Steamers are bringing the John Drake Boot home to the Bay of Plenty for only the second time ever after beating Auckland 21 to 17.

The last time the Steamers won on Eden Park against Auckland in 2004, it was to lift the Ranfurly Shield for the first and only time in the province's history.

Today, another piece of silverware was up for grabs, The John Drake Memorial Trophy, and a chance to score a famous win. And seize it they did to the sheer delight of Steamers supporters and the team.

The John Drake Memorial Trophy is played between Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. John Drake was an Auckland provincial legend who played eight games for the All Blacks. After retiring from rugby, John quickly rose the media ranks as a columnist and TV personality. John passed away while living in Mount Maunganui, where he was a much-loved and well-known local community member.

The half-time score was 10-8 to Auckland with the organisation and physicality of the Steamers overwhelming the other side in the second half and delivering Bay of Plenty a well-deserved win.

The win today takes Bay of Plenty up into third in the Odds Pool after Otago were able to overcome a tough challenge in the Southern Derby to cement top spot.

Auckland meanwhile fall to their first defeat of the season, but maintain their position atop the Evens Pool for at least another week.

Last week the Steamers had an impressive 46-6 performance over Taranaki. Head Coach Mike Delany says the effort came down to efficiency in their systems and good discipline across the park.

Before today's match against Auckland, Mike said the team had had a good week of preparation.

"After one win [against Taranaki] we can't get too comfortable," says Mike.

Notable changes to the starting XV today included All Black Aidan Ross returning to the side to form a formidable front row with Captain Kurt Eklund and Tevita Mafileo. Scottish national Jamie Dobie, who made his debut against Taranaki, also moved into the starting line-up for his first start of the season.

"There's been an edge to the boys at training. It's been a while since we've left Eden Park with a win, we've done everything we can this week to ensure we put a performance up that we can be proud of."

The chance to play for the John Drake Memorial Trophy galvanised the team to its historic win today

When asked earlier in the week about the famous game of 2004 being the last time the Steamers bet Auckland at Eden Park, Mike said the opportunity to create a bit of history excited the team.

"Aidan Ross touched upon it [2004 Ranfurly Shield match] with the boys at the start of the week, how long it had been. There's a real opportunity with the group that we've got to get the job done. There's real confidence in the group, but we know how hard the challenge will be. We are excited to get out on Eden Park."

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