BOP keep playoff hopes alive in cliffhanger

4.58pm

Bay of Plenty remained right in contention for the NPC first division rugby playoffs but not before receiving a big wakeup call from winless Northland in Whangarei today.

BOP secured their fifth win of the season, 29-24, but had to defend desperately in the dying minutes as Northland hammered away at their line.

The visitors scored four tries to three to secure the maximum five points and temporarily draw level with last night's winners Canterbury at the top of the table on 23 points.

But it was an error-ridden display as BOP led comfortably 19-7 at halftime but let Northland back in the match with 14 handling errors.

A penalty from Australian import Julian Huxley set up a thrilling final 13 minutes with BOP leading 22-17, but the matchwinning try was scored by centre Rua Tipoki with nine minutes left after a brilliant flip pass from hooker Ngarimu Simpkins.

Northland's bonus point was their first of the season, but they still appear destined for relegation with tough away matches against Wellington and Canterbury to end their season.

Scores:-

Bay of Plenty 29 (Taufa'ao Filise, Adrian Cashmore, Nili Latu, Rua Tipoki tries; Glen Jackson 3 con, pen)

Northland 24 (Matt Faleuka 2, Thomas Toailoa tries; Julian Huxley 3 con, pen).

Halftime: 19-7.



- NZPA


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