Bay of Plenty Steamers will be relegated from the ITM Premiership with a game to play after Saturday afternoon's 28-25 loss to Waikato at ASB Baypark Stadium.
The Steamers will feel aggrieved at losing a match they contributed so much in, as they scored three tries to Josh Sole, JohanBardoul and outstanding winger Tini Nemani and conceded just one to Waikato.
But referee Ben O'Keefe punished the Steamers at the breakdown enabling Waikato's Trent Renata to kick seven penalty goals.
The Steamers led 15-12 at the halftime break and stretched it out to 25-15 before a late try to Waikato's captain Jackson Willison broke the hearts of the good sized crowd that turned up in the sunshine.
Bay of Plenty 25 (Josh Sole, Johan Bardoul, Tini Nemani tries; Willie Ripia 2 cons, 2 pens) Waikato 28 (Jackson Willison try; Trent Renata con, 7 pens).
