Manawatu'S Otere Black (left) and Heiden Bedwell-Curtis scramble with Magpies flanker Tony Lamborn in an aquatic struggle at the Central Energy Trust Arena Manawatu. Photo / Corena Hodgson
Put it down to some tidy renditions of the Come on the Bay song from a packed block of Magpies supporters in the main grandstand at the Central Energy Trust Arena Manawatu in Palmerston North on Saturday night if you like.
Yes they certainly played their part as the Magpies won the Kel Tremain Memorial Trophy for the first time since 2013 and kept their hopes of avoiding relegation from the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership alive with this 30-21 eighth round crossover win against the Manawatu Turbos. But it was more the halftime message from head coach Craig Philpott and the response from his troops which did the job.
"We were keeping them in the game by conceding too many penalties in the first half. I told the boys we had to play smarter and be patient. If we play field position, be patient and set up camp down their end of the field things will turn. We did that and that top third quarter was where the game was won," Philpott said as he reflected on his halftime chat.
He pointed out the trophy played a major part in the buildup.
"We placed a big emphasis on it. We talked about the fact we wouldn't be playing for any other trophies this season so it was good to get it back."
Philpott agreed it will be good to have a week to prepare for both of their next two games, Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday night and Bay of Plenty in Napier on October 15 as these games are also must-wins in the Magpies' quest to avoid relegation. The Magpies fate is in their own hands.
"It would have been nice to have those turnarounds earlier in the season ... we could have done a bit of coaching."
The Magpies were on the wrong end of a 9-6 penalty count in the first half of the game played in atrocious weather conditions. The Turbos deserved their 11-3 halftime lead.
With captain and hooker Ash Dixon, vice-captain and lock Mark Abbott, flanker Tony Lamborn and first five-eighth Ihaia West inspirational the Magpies dominated the second half. Lamborn was the Magpies' top tackler with 13 and more importantly the Magpies only missed nine tackles in the game, 20 less than in the previous week's loss to Tasman.
Dixon had the most carries in the game for the visitors with 10. West did well to land seven of his eight attempts at goal in the difficult conditions and played the percentage game well.
Abbott was a workaholic and his try in the 51st minute after continued pressure from the Magpies forwards put the visitors in front for the first time. It was typical Abbott when he declined to accept his share of the kudos afterwards.
"It was just good to get the win and in these conditions it was a team effort. We started slow but came out full of energy in the second half," Abbott said.
"We've done it tough in recent weeks and some of the criticism has been disappointing but fair. So it was good to come up with a performance we can be proud of."
He added it was important to take the next two games week by week. If the Magpies can defend like they did for most of the second half against the Turbos and play with the same accuracy on attack they will have a realistic chance of beating Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
Former Hawke's Bay age group representatives, hooker Travis Taylor and versatile frontrower Tim Cadwallader, scored all three of the Turbos' tries. Former Magpies lock Tom Parsons had some memorable patches for the hosts in the first half.
Taylor, who scored two tries, matched his feat from a pre-season win against the Magpies in Napier.
"We placed a big emphasis on our lineout drives and they worked well. While it was disappointing not to get a bonus point tonight we are still hunt the hunt for a semifinal in the championship," Taylor said.
He praised the manner in which the Magpies capitalised on their opportunities during the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Northland did the Magpies a favour with their 48-27 win against Waikato yesterday.
Hawke's Bay 30 (Mark Abbott, Robbie Fruean tries; Ihaia West 6 pens, con) Manawatu 21 (Travis Taylor 2, Tim Cadwallader tries; Otere Black 2 pens). HT: Manawatu 11-3.
Match highlights:
Heartstopper: Magpies prop Tolu Fahamokioa's disallowed try in the 30th minute when neither the referee nor television match official could sight the ball. Fortunately this didn't impact on the final result.
Turning point: Magpies centre Robbie Fruean's intercept try in the 66th minute gave the Magpies a 27-16 lead. It was an ideal cushion in the difficult conditions.
Players of the match: Magpies lock Mark Abbott with another powerhouse display, including the first try, and first five-eighth Ihaia West for superb option-taking and seven successes from eight attempts at goal in atrocious conditions.