The Steamers were soundly beaten 56-27 by Tasman Makos at ASB Baypark yesterday in the opening home game of their ITM Cup campaign.
The loss in beautiful conditions on the pristine new pitch at Baypark means two defeats without bonus points from their opening two games.
Conceding seven tries at home is no fun but, aside from a 24-point burst from Tasman in the first half that effectively won the match, the Steamers more than held their own for large periods of the game. They closed to within 12 points with just 10 minutes to play but a late flurry from Tasman ended the hopes of the good-sized crowd of a comeback victory.
Simply, the Steamers lacked the clinical efficiency of their more experienced opponents.
Steamers head coach Kevin Schuler was far from despondent after the game but was left to rue that first-half points scoring spree by the Makos.