Another brutal chapter in the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's nightmare of a 2017 season was written during today's 33-14 loss to Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe.
The sixth round Mitre 10 Cup crossover defeat leaves the Magpies with just one win this season. As has been the case previously this year the Magpies started well and produced a solid first half but numerous handling errors and fragile defence let the visitors down in the second spell.
After an error-ridden first 18 minutes from both teams the Steelers opened the scoring in the 20th minute courtesy of a try from fullback Tim Nanai-Williams following an intercept from winger Nigel Ah Wong and good work from halfback Augustine Pulu. First five-eighth Baden Kerr added the conversion.
Four minutes later the Magpies replied with a try to captain and hooker Ash Dixon after his troops retained possession better than they had previously. Fullback Ihaia West slotted the conversion and the score remained 7-all until the halftime whistle.
The Magpies made a woeful start to the second half when first five-eighth Tiaan Falcon dropped the ball 10 metres out from the Magpies goalline and the Steelers scored three phases later through flanker Fotu Lokotui. Kerr again added the extras.