Bay of Plenty 32 Waikato 16
In front of a bumper crowd at Mt Maunganui, first five-eighth Mike Delany inspired Bay of Plenty to their fourth successive win and condemned their neighbours to a third loss in the process.
The hosts were fortunate to be up 13-9 at halftime but played with authority and purpose after the break, allowing the deadly boot of Delany to seal the outcome.
Not only did the 25-year-old land eight-from-eight shots at goal in a 22-point haul but he kicked well in general play and made some of the more telling breaks to continue his excellent form.
The last two penalties in the dying minutes were from halfway and the left touchline, both of which were nailed via Delany's three-step run-up, summing up the confidence and sweet timing that has marked his campaign.
Bay of Plenty scored two tries, including a brilliant team effort soon after halftime that put flanker Solomon King over following swift ball movement to both flanks of the field.
Waikato centre Save Tokula got his side back to 16-23 down with half an hour remaining but errors marred their performance from there, expertly punished by Delany.
The diminutive No 10's influence was underlined in Bay of Plenty's opening try, as he produced a half-break and offload that resulted in Junior Poluleuligaga crossing five minutes before halftime.
It came against the run of play, with Waikato having opened up a deserved 9-6 lead through three penalties to second five-eighth Callum Bruce.
Despite a poor lineout, Waikato had dominated the first half, taking advantage of a hesitant Bay of Plenty defence which tightened up in the second spell.
Possessing the best defence in the competition before today, Bay of Plenty frustrated Waikato into mistakes and turned over a wealth of tackle ball.
Prop James McGougan and No 8 Colin Bourke were excellent in the winners' pack while Waikato skipper Liam Messam's lively form continued.
Bay of Plenty 32 (Junior Poluleuligaga, Solomon King tries; Mike Delany 6 pen, 2 con) Waikato 16 (Save Tokula try; Callum Bruce 3 pen, con). Halftime: 13-9.
- NZPA
