AGONY: Magpies ponder on what-ifs after losing the final last night. PHOTO/Warren Buckland
Oh the pain ... this loss in last night's ITM Cup Championship final at FMG Stadium wasn't the desired result.
But it did sum up the Magpies rugby season. While the Magpies did well to lock up the Ranfurly Shield for the summer with four successful defences from a five-game unbeaten run at home they were suspect on the road with only one away victory, that August 30 Ranfurly Shield win against Counties-Manukau.
As the score indicates the final was a topsy-turvy thriller and the Magpies were still in the hunt until the 78th minute. The Magpies were hot on attack when winger Ryan Tongia, so often the hero for the Magpies this season and top tryscorer across both divisions to date with 10, attempted a grubber.
The ball was fielded on the full by a Turbos defender who kicked deep into the Magpies red zone and winger Nathan Tudreu won the chase to score the matchwinner.
The top qualifiers and Championship favourites, who have lost two games at home during the past two seasons, both against Auckland, collected the silverware - their first NPC title since 1980.
"Congratulations to Manawatu. You've set the benchmark this season and outplayed us tonight particularly when we made some mistakes towards the end," Magpies captain Brendon O'Connor said afterwards.
"We've achieved a lot as a team and it's been a great season. I must thank all of our supporters who have followed us all season and sorry we could not get over the final hurdle," he added.
Turbos captain and openside flanker Callum Gibbins described the final as "a great game".
"The last time you played here Ash [Dixon, Magpies vice-captain and hooker] warned us you would be back to give us a run. You did that and we had to dig deep.
"To the Turbos well done. We were under the pump but still able to score at crucial times."
Former New Zealand under-20 rep and Turbos centre Jason Emery scored one of those vital tries. It brought back memories of when he used to produce similar feats for Palmerston North Boys' High School in wins against Napier Boys' High School.
Emery said the victory reflected the work the Turbos had put in during their pre-season campaign and throughout the competition.
"While it was nerve-wracking for all of us we kept our cool during the last five minutes," he added.
The Magpies had first use of a 17km/h breeze and enjoyed the early territorial advantage. However, poor discipline let the visitors down and the Turbos opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a handy penalty to first five-eighth Otere Black after Wellington referee Garratt Williamson ruled the Magpies backs to be off side.
Hawke's Bay were awarded their first penalty in the 14th minute which put them back in enemy territory. From an attacking lineout a minute later first five-eighth Ihaia West received the ball and beat four defenders with a solo run on the way to the first try of the match.
West converted and the Magpies led 7-3. The wind had changed a little three minutes later when West missed a penalty attempt from 30m out.
During the first quarter the Magpies conceded four turnovers, most of these at the breakdown through poor protection and a lack of numbers.
The Magpies ball security improved in the second quarter and the 25th minute saw winger Shannan Chase score a sensational try after some clever buildup work from the likes of West, Dixon and flanker Tony Lamborn. West added the conversion.
Manawatu were dealt a severe blow when hooker Rob Foreman, in his 100th game, was forced from the field with a leg injury in the 27th minute.
The Turbos managed to close the gap when Black kicked his second penalty in the 31st minute from 30m out when Dixon was penalised for not releasing at the tackle. During the first 40 the Magpies conceded nine penalties while being awarded three, but still led 14-6 at halftime.
They had 39 per cent of the territory and 47 per cent of possession.
The Turbos scored their first try in the 43rd minute when halfback Kayne Hammington finished off some clever interchanges between backs and forwards. Black slotted the conversion to put the hosts just one point behind.
West's first successful penalty kick in the 49th minute had the Magpies ahead 17-13. However, the Turbos struck back in style and hit the lead for the second time when fullback Nehe Milner-Skudder broke some soft tackles on the way to the tryline.
Black added the conversion and Manawatu led 20-17. It was the Magpies' turn to retaliate and Chase scored his second try in the 68th minute after a couple of waves of Magpies attack. West converted from close to the sideline.
Emery put the Bucketheads back in the lead with a 75th minute try which substitute first five-eighth Jade Te Rure converted. Three minutes later Tudreu added the killer blow to the Magpies season.
For the second consecutive season the Magpies have been pipped in the Championship final.
If any team deserves a case of third time lucky next year it's these blokes.