Steamers fans all smiles despite loss to Mooloos

Two rugby-keen local families, the Robinsons and the Fullers, headed along to the game together. Edward Fuller, 11, and younger brother Bruno, 7, dressed in their local colours for the occasion. Photo / George Novak

Spirits were high among the yellow and blue striped fans despite a disappointing loss against Waikato yesterday.

The Waikato Mooloos had a convincing 43 to 10 win against the Bay of Plenty Steamers at Tauranga's Wharepai Domain.

While the battle on the field went in Waikato's favour, Bay supporters easily out-did the noisy Waikato cow bells with their cheering from the nearly full stands.

Many were dressed head-to-toe in supporters gear, or at least had a scarf thrown around their neck to show their allegiance and most raved about the venue.

Steamers first-five Dan Hollinshead's parents Mike and Sandra and brother Jackson were among the crowd, dressed in their Steamers shirts.

"It's very nerve-wracking. We're probably feeling more nervous than he is," Mrs Hollinshead said.

They tried to go to most games, especially the home games, and the domain was a great venue, Mr Hollinshead said.

"It looks like we're a lot closer."

Lifetime fans Brendon and Mike Gardner loved the venue and thought all future home games should be held there.

"I used to come here as a kid so that's why it's so great to be back," Mike said.

"You're never too far away from the action. You feel more a part of it."

Ten-year-old Oliver Francis was in the crowd with dad, Matthew Francis.

"The venue was awesome. They need to make that full-time," Mr Francis said.

Two rugby-keen local families, the Fullers and the Robinsons, headed along to the game together.

Eleven-year-old Edward Fuller and younger brother Bruno, 7, were dressed in their Steamers shirts and excited about the game.

David Cartwright with his family Therese Ford-Cartwright, and Ineka, 6, and Tiana, 10 before the Steamers-Waikato game yesterday afternoon. Photo / George Novak

Zone a real hit with Steamers fans

Steamers fans, dressed in blue and yellow, stormed Tauranga's CBD before the anticipated Tauranga Domain clash against Waikato yesterday.

Activities drew crowds to the fanzone on Wharf St and The Strand in the lead up to the long-awaited ITM Cup match.

I feel like the Hairy Maclary tour guide with people coming in to the cafe just before or after visiting the statues.

Sandra Johnson, Dry Dock Cafe owner

Inzpire dance did several routines in the area, children had fun on the Log Joust and crowds enjoyed wandering the streets before heading up to the domain for the game.

Steamers fan David Cartwright took his family to the fanzone to soak up that atmosphere and grab a bite to eat along The Strand before the game kicked off at 2.35pm.

The family had been supporting the team for about 12 years after they started winning more often.

Mr Cartwright was open to the idea of more Steamers games being played at the domain, although he lived in Bayfair and could walk across the road to ASB Baypark games.

He said the team had been playing well lately but knew the game might be tough because the team did not have long to recover from their previous match on Wednesday night.

Dry Dock Cafe owner Sandra Johnson, said her cafe had been busy all morning with Steamer's supporters, Hairy Maclary fans and others just having a good time.

"I feel like the Hairy Maclary tour guide with people coming into the cafe just before or after visiting the statues," she said.