Six minutes later Magpies halfback Brad Weber produced some quality defensive work to hold the visitors out at a five metre scrum. In the 23rd minute Magpies prop Pouri Rakete-Stones was sinbinned for an offside infringement.
From the resulting scrum in-form Taranaki No 8 Toa Halafihi charged over for a try which McKenzie converted. Three minutes later McKenzie beat Magpies winger Mason Emerson in a chase to score after poor option from Magpies first five-eighth Dan Snee. McKenzie converted and the visitors led 14-0.
The Magpies stayed in the hunt when winger Cardiff Vaega scored in the 35th minute after almost five minutes of dominance from the hosts. It was a surprise Bay of Plenty referee Shane McDermott had to consult Dockary before awarding it.
Magpies fullback Ihaia West scored the try of the game in the 38th minute when he fielded an up and under at full noise and scampered 50 metres to touch down. Like his previous conversion attempt from wide out this one hit the posts and Taranaki led 14-10 at halftime.
Taranaki opened the scoring in the second half with a handy penalty from McKenzie. The visitors powerful and heavier pack was full of authority again and former Magpies hooker Ricky Riccitelli scored in the 47th minute after a well controlled lineout move.
The Magpies were on the receiving end of a 14-4 penalty count at the 55th minute mark when they conceded a penalty try to a dominant scrum. This was the turning point and three minutes later flanker Pita Sowakula sprinted away for a try and Taranaki led 34-10.
To their credit the Magpies never threw the towel in and were rewarded with a 62nd minute try to substitute prop Jarvy Aoake. Centre Sean Wainui extended Taranaki's lead with a 68th minute try which McKenzie converted.
Scorers:
Taranaki 48 (Toa Halafihi, Marty McKenzie, Ricky Riccitelli, Pita Sowakula, Sean Wainui, Adrian Wyrill, penalty try tries; McKenzie 3 cons, pen; Ciarahn Matoe con), Hawke's Bay 17 (Cardiff Vaega, Ihaia West, Jarvy Aoake tries; Dan Snee con). HT: 14-10.