Steamers beaten by Northland

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND - SEPTEMBER 25: Dan Hollinshead of the Bay of Plenty Steamers runs with the ball during the ITM Cup match against Northland on September 25, 2014. Getty Images.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers lost to Northland by 30-27 at ASB Baypark Stadium tonight.

The Steamers went into the clash bottom of the ITM Championship following North Harbour's shock victory over Canterbury last night. So they were not lacking for motivation and with three games to play still had semifinal aspirations.

Northland were led by No 8 Dan Pryor, who with brother and blindside flanker Kara are proud grandsons of the late, great former Bay of Plenty and Maori All Black Albie Pryor.

Northland had first use of a stiff wind in the first half and went straight onto attack after an early Bay mistake from the kickoff. The TMO awarded a try to halfback Sonatane Takalua after he wriggled over near the posts. Converted Dan Hawkins. Northland 7-0.

The third consecutive penalty awarded to Northland gave Hawkins an easy kick for goal. Northland 10-0.

But that was the catalyst for the Steamers to rip into their work into the wind. They took the lead with two superbly worked set piece moves from lineout drives, with tries scored by winger Siaosi Iongi and Joe Royal.

With Dan Hollinshead nailing both conversions, the Steamers led 14-10 after 26 minutes. Another great scrum from the Steamers led to a penalty and they attacked from the lineout again only for Northland to win a defensive penalty. So opportunity wasted but the dominant scrum was a good portent for the Steamers for the rest of the match.

Northland unleashed their flying Fijian winger to get on attack and Takalua took full advantage to brush past a weak tackle from Jono Kitto and ran 22 metres for his second try. Hawkins converted. Northland 17-14 after 36 minutes.

Hollinshead made a superb break to spark the Steamers and fed Kitto. Mabey awarded the Steamers a ruck penalty and they drove again to Northland's line but lost possession crucially. Centre Nic Evemy regained the initiative with a fine run and after the halftime hooter, the Steamers were awarded a penalty.

The game was held up for a lengthy period as Northland centre Brook Gilmore was stretchered off the field after he was knocked out trying to tackle Evemy. With time up, Hollinshead had to have a shot for goal into the wind wide out from 28 metres but he pushed the kick wide.

Halftime: Northland 17 Steamers 14.

From the kickoff, the Steamers were awarded a penalty. Hollinshead slotted the kick. Steamers 17 Northland 17.

The Steamers started well, looking good with ball in hand, but a simple handling error released the pressure on Northland, which has gone on all season.

Hollinshead showed his defensive might to single-handedly stop a Northland attack and turn the ball over. Johan Bardoul did the same in an attacking position to earn Hollinshead another shot at goal. The 19-year-old pivot slotted the goal to put the Steamers up 20-17 after 54 minutes but Northland's Hawkins replied in kind to even the score after a Steamers error from the kickoff.

The Steamers dominant scrum led to Carl Axtens crashing over in the corner after a sparkling break from aggressive halfback Samisoni Fisilau. But the TMO disallowed the try in what looked a tough call for the Steamers.

They were nearly in again minutes later but Northland's defence, led by the Prior brothers, held after several phases at their line. But they scored from the next play through outstanding lock Tim Bond, after another dominant driving maul by the pack.

Hollinshead kicked a fine conversion to put Steamers up 27-20 after 65 minutes.

But Northland scored immediately to tie the game up again after a Dan Prior break, finished off by Warren Dunn. It was anyone's game at 27-27 with 12 minutes to play.

Steamers put six phases together on attack but again could not break the resolute Northland defence with seven to play. Northland broke from deep to have a chance but Junior Tofa Va'a defended superbly to snuff out the attack.

Northland had an attacking lineout drive repulsed by the Steamers but the Steamers were stuck in their 22 with the clock ticking down to 77 minutes played. Then the match winning moment as Mabey penalised the Steamers for another tackled ball offence and replacement first-five Latiume Fosita kicked the goal with a minute to play.

The Steamers should have won the game but missed opportunities cost them dearly in the end, which sadly is the tale of the season.

Northland 30 (Sonatane Takalua 2, Warren Dunn tries; Dan Hawkins 2 cons, 2 pen; Latiume Fosita con, pen) Bay of Plenty 27 (Siaosi Iongi, Joe Royal, Tim Bond tries; Dan Hollinshead 3 cons, 2 pen)