ITM Cup: Bay miss chance to make playoff

Bay of Plenty Steamers player Dan Hollinshead, with ball, in action last night against Northland. Photo / Getty Images

The Bay of Plenty Steamers have been dealt another blow in the ITM Cup.

The Steamers went down to Northland 30-27 last night in windy conditions at ASB Baypark Stadium in Mount Maunganui.

It was the Steamers seventh loss from eight games this season, cancelling any chance they had of making the ITM Cup Championship playoffs.

The opening try came inside four minutes yesterday, when Northland halfback Sonatane Takulua scored a bizarre try. He tried to pass the ball from the back of the ruck but dropped it cold.

He then re-gathered and snuck through a small hole to score. The Steamers hit back on 20 minutes after some good possession in the Northland half.

Impressive winger Siaosi Iongi scored a good forward's try, picking up the ball from the back of the ruck and barging over close to the tryline.

The Bay got their tails up after that try and scored a beautiful five-pointer a few minutes later.

The Steamers collected the ball from the lineout and the forwards drove 10m before hooker Joe Royal fell over the line to score.

Northland halfback Takulua scored an outstanding individual try just before the break.

Both teams traded penalties in the second half as the scores levelled out at 20-all.

The Steamers forward pack were awarded for some great work as Tim Bond barged over for the Bay of Plenty, with the try converted by Hollinshead.

The lead did not last long as Northland scored an explosive try. They broke the line near halfway and threw some great passes to put Warren Dunn in to score. With the scores tied at 27-all, the game was set for a grand stand finish with 10 minutes to go.

Northland almost scored as they made another huge break down the field but the Steamers scrambled well and forced an error.

In heart breaking fashion, the Steamers gave away a penalty close to the sticks with under three minutes to go. Substitute Latiume Fostia kicked the penalty to give Northland the lead 30-27 and the win.

*Bay of Plenty 27 (Siaosi Iongi, Joe Royal, Tim Bond tries; Dan Hollinshead 3 con, 2 pen) Northland 30 (Sonatane Takulua 2, Warren Dunn tries; Dan Hawkins 3 con, 2 pen, Latiume Fostia pen) HT: 14-17.