The Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team recorded their fourth consecutive loss in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership when beaten 25-24 by Auckland at Napier's McLean Park tonight.
However unlike in the previous three matches there was more polish to the Magpies display tonight. There was improved intensity on defence, better support play and plenty of ticker.
The Magpies could have won the match had first five-eighth Ihaia West succeeded with an 80th minute pemalty from 41 metres out in windy conditions.
Auckland openside flanker Akira Ioane was the player of the match. His captain and first five-eighth Simon Hickey, like West, slotted five of his eight attempts at goal.
The Magpies next outing is against top of the table Canterbury in Christchurch on Sunday.
