Magpies beat Steamers to go through to final

Ihaia West

Hawke's Bay Magpies first five-eighth Ihaia West scored 23 points as his team beat Bay of Plenty 33-26 in their ITM Cup Championship semifinal at Napier's McLean Park today.

West kicked four penalties and three conversions from as many attempts at goal and scored a crucial try. It was a surprise when flanker Tom Stanley was named player-of-the-match ahead of West.

The Magpies first half was disjointed. They bombed two tries through neglect of basic draw and pass plays.

The loss of centre Richard Buckman after four minutes with a knee injury was a big blow.
Buckman scored the first try in the first minute after a charge down. West converted.
First five-eighth Nick Evemy opened the Steamers account with an eighth minute penalty.

West was on target with an 18th minute penalty after the visitors were penalised for a high tackle on halfback Chris Eaton.

A first half hattrick of tries from flanker Johan Bardoul had the Steamers ahead 18-10. West closed the gap with a 39th minute penalty.

The Steamers were unlucky to have two tries disallowed. However they deserved their 18-13 lead at the interval.

The Magpies regained the lead with a 44th minute try to captain and flanker Brendon O'Connor from a lineout drive. West converted.

A 57th minute converted try from West after good buildup from the forwards had the Magpies ahead 27-18.

A 62nd minute penalty from the Steamers substitute first five-eighth Dan Hollinshead kept the visitors in touch.

West's 68th minute penalty from 50 metres after the Steamers were pinged for playing a player in the air was the turning point. Another West penalty in the 72nd minute, had the hosts ahead 33-21.

Steamers fullback Te Rangi Fraser sparked a thrilling finish with his 76th minute try.

Scorers:
Hawke's Bay 33 (Richard Buckman, Brendon O'Connor, Ihaia West tries; West 4 pens, 3 cons ), Bay of Plenty (Johan Bardoul 3, Te Rangi Fraser tries; Nick Evemy, Dan Hollinshead pens). HT: 13-18.