In the second round of the 2023 National 20s Competition, the Counties Manukau Stingrays met Bay of Plenty in Auckland at Navigation Homes Stadium. Counties came into the match as favourites again this week and continued their winning streak with a 54-26 win over Bay of Plenty.

Within the first few minutes of the first half, Counties crashed over the line through Ben Fonotalaga with two back-to-back tries. Bay of Plenty was quick to come up with points of their own in the corner through Jayden Gilles. Bay of Plenty number 15 scored a try off the back of a Counties knock on to bring the score within a two-point margin. Bay of Plenty showed plenty of spirit with an excellent shift on the left to take the lead with a try to Christian Letoa. Counties not willing to go down scored another try through Sima Tau. The contest continued to heat up as Bay of Plenty scored a try through their Fullback Wairua Jackson-Williams to take his team into the sheds with the lead.

The second half started with a bang, Stanley Hingano struck first with another set of back-to-back tries for Counties. The tries continued to roll in for Counties with another to Niu-Alinghi Peni, Jeroyme Pritchard and Harlem Te Namu. Bay of Plenty number 15 scored an excellent solo try with less than five minutes remaining in the match.  Counties closed out the match with a try to number nine Malachi Tony.

Counties Manukau came away with their second win of the season over Bay of Plenty 54-26. The action continues next week as Counties take on the South Island Scorpions and Bay of Plenty come up against Waikato in Rotorua.