RUGBY: Ex-Magpies bask in Steamers glory

STEAMERS 30 - MAGPIES 11
If Taradale were short on inspiration going into today's Hawke's Bay Maddison Trophy premier club rugby final against Havelock North in Napier they would have gained plenty from last night's Magpies debacle.
Two of Taradale's favourite sons and former Magpies, Colin Bourke and Dan Waenga, were inspirational in the Bay of Plenty Steamers ITM Cup 30-11 second round drubbing of the Hawke's Bay Magpies at Napier's McLean Park.
New Zealand Maori No.8 Bourke captained a more desperate and more urgent Steamers outfit to their second win against the Magpies within a month in outstanding fashion. His bonus point try in the 77th minute was a spectacular solo effort.
First five-eighth Waenga's composure in dewey conditions was admirable and his 66th minute try gave the visitors an 18-6 lead which they continued to build on as they outscored their more fancied hosts five tries to one.
Outstanding Steamers defence forced 27 turnovers from the Magpies who didn't score their try until the 80th minute after Richard Buckman completed a move sparked from fellow winger Zac Guildford.
Bourke praised the manner in which his troops hunted together on defence and produced flair on attack. Magpies captain and centre Jason Shoemark agreed his side's performance was disappointing.
``You're right ... there was no urgency from us. We kept turning the ball over and they kept punishing us.''
``A good old fashion hiding,'' was how Magpies co-coach Peter Russell described his side's display.
``We worked hard to secure possession and then we would turn over possession in situations when we should have scored. There were also occasions when we were forced in to touch too easily,'' said Russell.
``We've got no massive game breakers and this means we have to work together as a team. There were times we didn't do that and drifted from our game plan.''
Asked if there were any injury concerns Russell replied:
``Bruises to egos.''
Magpies hooker Hika Elliot continued his outstanding form from the previous week's draw with Canterbury. However he was guilty of being frivolous at times _ like many of his teammates.
It wasn't the display hard-working Magpies manager and former Magpies halfback Neil Weber deserved on his 46th birthday.
Missed scoring opportunities from the Magpies in the first half was a key factor in the Steamers 8-6 lead at halftime. Magpies winger Zac Guildford was ruled to be in front of the kicker when a certain try went begging in the 10th minute.
First five-eighth Andrew Horrell was unlucky not to re-gather the ball after a clever kick and chase breakout move in the 21st minute. Two penalties from Horrell, one in the seventh minute and the other in the 36th minute was all the hosts had to show for their first half endeavours.
Former Magpie and Steamers first five-eighth Dan Waenga kicked an equalising penalty in the 11th minute. Blues halfback Taniela Moa scored the only try in the first spell in the 25th minute after some good lead up work from the Steamers pack.
An Elliot burst should have resulted in a Magpies try in the 57th minute but halfback Kahn Fotuali'i lost the ball forward with the tryline beckoning.
Last night's other game saw Taranaki beat Tasman 33-11 in New Plymouth. The Magpies can expect a Makos backlash in Blenheim on Thursday night.
They better be prepared otherwise their top seven and final hopes will take another dent.
* SCORERS:
Bay of Plenty 30 (Taniela Moa, Lelia Masaga, Dan Waenga, Colin Bourke, Chad Tuoro tries; Waenga pen, Phil Burleigh con).
Hawke's Bay 11 (Richard Buckman try; Andrew Horrell 2 pens). HT: 8-6.