Hawke's Bay are just one win away from Division One NPC rugby after beating East Coast 30-27 in the Division Two final in Napier this afternoon.
The Magpies led 16-10 at halftime.
Hawkes Bay winger Tim Manawatu was responsible for 20 of his team's points; with five penalties, a conversion
and a drop goal.
The victory completed an unbeaten season for the Magpies, who will be the first to admit they were fortunate to scrape through this one after being outscored five tries to two.
Next up they face a promotion-relegation clash with Bay of Plenty. There's no second chance in Division One for Counties Manukau, however - they are consigned to the automatic relegation spot after their 69-17 loss to Auckland at Eden Park today.
