Ihaia West nips in for a try. Hawke's Bay Magpies v Bay of Plenty Steamers. ITM Cup Rugby semi-final at McLean Park in Napier. 16th October 2015 Hawke's Bay Today Photographer Paul Taylor
Ihaia West nips in for a try. Hawke's Bay Magpies v Bay of Plenty Steamers. ITM Cup Rugby semi-final at McLean Park in Napier. 16th October 2015 Hawke's Bay Today Photographer Paul Taylor
The Bay of Plenty Steamers season has come to a close following a thrilling semifinal loss to Hawke's Bay in Napier today.
Hawke's Bay defeated the Steamers 33-26 at McLean Park but got more than they bargained for during an entertaining ITM Cup Championship semifinal.
Steamers flanker Johan Bardoul scoreda hat-trick of tries in the first half to give the visitors a five-point lead at half-time. Hawke's Bay put up a good fight in the second half to regain the lead but had to survive a late charge from the Bay of Plenty.
The Bay of Plenty had one last crack in the Hawke's Bay half in the final minute, to try and tie the game up, but they were penalised for an obstruction which ended the match.
Hawke's Bay will move onto the ITM Cup Championship final next weekend, against the winner of the Otago v Wellington semifinal being played tonight.
Hawke's Bay star, and former All Black, Zac Guildford was unavailable for the Magpies match today for personal reasons.
Hawke's Bay 33 (Richard Buckman, Brendon O'Connor, Ihaia West tries; Ihaia West 3 con, 4 pen) Bay of Plenty 26 (Johan Bardoul 3, Te Rangi Fraser tries; Nick Evemy pen, Dan Hollinshead pen) HT: 13-18.
