Rugby: Steamers bow out in gallant defeat

The Bay of Plenty Steamers put in a resilient effort against Hawke's Bay on Saturday but lost their semifinal 33-26. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Bay of Plenty Steamers season has come to a close after a thrilling semifinal loss to Hawke's Bay in Napier.

Hawkes Bay came from behind to defeat the Steamers 33-26 at McLean Park on Saturday in their ITM Cup clash.

The Steamers scored four tries to three during the knockout fixture but missed all four conversions which did not help their cause. A controversial obstruction penalty right at the death also killed any hopes the Steamers had of taking the game to extra time.

Bay of Plenty went into the match on Saturday as huge underdogs but outplayed Hawke's Bay in the first half.

Steamers flanker Johan Bardoul scored a hat-trick of tries in the first 40 minutes to help his team take a 18-13 lead into the break after they had enjoyed plenty of turnover at the breakdown.

But Hawke's Bay showed why they finished top of the ITM Cup Championship ladder this season, wrestling the game away from the Bay of Plenty in the second half.

It took until the last 10 minutes for the Steamers to gain any meaningful field possession and fullback Te Rangi Fraser crossed for his team's fourth try which set up a thrilling finish.

The Steamers were penalised for obstruction deep in the Hawkes Bay half during the final minute of play, and Ihaia West booted the ball into touch to end the match.

West's boot played a big part in Hawke's Bay winning the game as he kicked seven from seven in windy conditions.

Despite the result, the Bay of Plenty made big improvements this year on recent seasons by qualifying for the playoffs.

Hawke's Bay play Wellington in the ITM Cup Championship final this Friday after they defeated Otago 34-14 in Saturday's other semifinal.

Hawkes Bay star and former All Black Zac Guildford was unavailable for the Magpies on Saturday for "personal reasons".

Meanwhile, Auckland and Canterbury have progressed to the ITM Cup premiership final this Saturday after winning their respective semifinals at the weekend.

- Hawke's Bay 33 (Richard Buckman, Brendon O'Connor, Ihaia West tries; Ihaia West 3 con, 4 pen) Bay of Plenty 26 (Johan Bardoul 3, Te Rangi Fraser tries; Nick Evemy pen, Dan Hollinshead pen) HT: 13-18.