It was the only realistic chance of a win this season for the Hawke's Bay Tuis women's rugby team and they blew it.
"We're our own worst enemies. We can't blame the travel like last week or the referee. We made too many errors and drifted away from the gameplan," Tuis coach Tom Blake said after Saturday's NPC third-round 22-19 loss to Bay of Plenty in Rotorua.
His team, which enjoyed 70 per cent of possession, trailed 7-5 at halftime but led 19-17 when Bay of Plenty scored the match-winning try during the final minute of play. Another sinbinning took the Tuis tally to four in three games.
"We're top of the lists for sinbinnings, errors and missed tackles," Blake said.
Props Sharlena Maui and Natalie Cotton both battled effectively for 80 minutes while flankers Laurae Blake and Naomi Hunt had massive workrates in the Tuis pack. Experienced halfback Gemma Woods and centre Jaimee Edwards were the best of the Tuis backs.
The Hawke's Bay Saracens completed their buildup to their Hurricanes Development competition with a 26-24 loss to Wellington Development in Palmerston North on Saturday. The Saracens trailed 26-5 at halftime and displayed vast improvement in the second-half.
Magpies first five-eighth Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald had the opportunity to secure a draw with a late conversion from wide out but it bounced off the posts. Hooker Mikey Sosene-Feagai, flanker Jesse Tuhua and No8 Kaleb Sweet were inspirational figures in the Saracens pack.
Magpies utility Lewis Marshall, who had stints at centre and fullback, and second five-eighth Jackson Neilson were a dangerous pair in the Saracens backline.
The Hawke's Bay Under-19s opened their Hurricanes competition with a 38-18 loss to Manawatu at Napier's McLean Park on Saturday night. Hawke's Bay played well in the first-half and trailed 10-6 at halftime but were guilty of numerous defensive lapses during the final quarter.
Props Sean Morrison and Mason Kean and hooker Max Fryatt formed a cohesive frontrow. Flanker Paula Latu and No8 Teina Huia had dominant patches.
Magpies centre Jonah Lowe and his midfield partner Saifiti Saifiti were threats on attack but didn't have enough chances.
