Sponsors will be there in blue and gold

Imogen Crispe | Saturday, August 13, 2011 15:00

RUGBY SUPPORT: (From L) Waiariki Institute of Technology deputy chief executive Keith Ikin, Steamers players Dan Waenga, Phil Burleigh & Colin Bourke, Waiariki Academy of Sport manager Jane Borren

Andrew Warner 120811Aw7

The Bay of Plenty Steamers have scored themselves a few more supporters ahead of tonight's centenary match after a visit to Waiariki Institute of Technology, the principal sponsor for the clash with Hawke's Bay Magpies.

Waiariki is one of about 80 team sponsors but tonight it's their turn to sponsor the match - just as the team celebrates 100 years.

The academic institute's deputy chief executive Keith Ikin said the sponsorship began in 2008 and it was a privilege to host the players on the day before the big match, especially considering their intense schedule.

"It's great to see so many of the guys here. It means a lot to us," he said.

Mr Ikin said it was wonderful to be sponsoring the centenary match.

"It's great we're part of celebrating such a significant milestone of Bay of Plenty rugby. We'll be there with our blue and yellow screaming our lungs out."

The relationship is not just to do with sponsorship as Steamers player Carl Axtens is a former Waiariki student and a number of Bay of Plenty under 20 representative players are also Waiariki sports academy students.

"We hope to have an ongoing relationship with them. We've enjoyed the relationship," Mr Ikin said.

Waiariki is also a jersey sponsor which means their logo appears on the back of jersey number 13, worn by Phil Burleigh.

Burleigh was at the institute yesterday and thanked Waiariki for their continuing support, saying he wears the Waiariki shirt with pride.

He was feeling good about tonight's match.

"The boys are pretty confident," he said.

Steamers captain Colin Bourke was feeling nervous but still pretty good and said the centenary match was a big occasion.

"It's obviously huge for the union, we're just hoping to go well and play well.

"There's going to be a lot of old guys and players there."

ITM Cup Bay of Plenty Steamers versus Hawke's Bay Magpies game is at Rotorua International Stadium tonight. Kick off is at 5.35pm but gates open at 4pm. It is the Bay's fourth home game of the season.