Few others than the recently appointed Stan Meads Cup team management will be interested in the Western Bay team's performances in the BOPRU Baywide playoffs.

Bruce Mack, who guided Western Bay to Te Hurinui Apanui success a few seasons ago has been appointed coach, with Rangataua identity Murray Ririnui taking up the assistant coach role.

The team will be managed by another well known local rugby identity Matt Welsh, with all three team management bringing a wealth of rugby experience to the team.

Last season Western Bay of Plenty used their get out of jail card to overcome Eastern Bay of Plenty, in the playoff for third place in the Stan Meads Cup, in Whakatane. Along with the Stan Meads playoff, there was Bay of Plenty sub-union pride on the line, with the game doubling as the last Te Hurinui Apanui challenge of the season.

Eastern Bay shot out to a 17-nil lead in the first half, while the Western Bay side settled down to put some points on the board, the home side took a 26-10 lead into the half time break.

The Western Bay side were playing catch-up rugby in the second spell, but dug deep to work their way back into the encounter.

However, with time up on the clock and trailing by two points – Western Bay kicker Darrell Houia, calmly stepped up and pushed the ball over the crossbar from out wide, to give his team a dramatic come from behind victory, winning the encounter 34-33.

This year, the Western Bay representatives face a tough ask in their Stan Meads Cup season opener, on Saturday the 17^th August 2013. They will square off with defending SMC titleholders Te Awamutu in Otorohanga. Also at stake is the challenge prize of the time honoured Peace Cup, which Te Awamutu will also put on the line. Last season the Waikato sub-union despatched the Western Bay side 26-13 in the semi-finals.

Needing to win two games, to guarantee a place in the top four, who will play off for the Stan Meads Cup, the local side's mission gets no easier after the first up encounter.

Second up is arch rivals Central (Rotorua) sub-union with the Te Hurinui Apanui Shield also on the line, before meeting former Peace Cup heavyweight Hamilton in the last Pool B game.

Western Bay of Plenty Stan Meads Cup Schedule 2013

17 August - Te Awamutu v Western Bay of Plenty @ Island Reserve, Otorohanga

24 August - Central Bay of Plenty v Western Bay of Plenty @ Ngongotaha RFC, Rotorua

31 August - Western Bay of Plenty v Hamilton @ Tauranga

7 September Crossover Games

14 September Finals Day