The Bay of Plenty Steamers lead Northland 10-7 at half time of their crucial ITM Cup match at Baypark, Mt Maunganui.
The Steamers got off to a storming start, a Chris Noakes penalty giving them a 3-0 lead after just two minutes.
Steamers lock Dan Goodwin, up against his former
teammates, scored his team's only try of the half six minutes later after a good build up, Noakes converting to make it 10-0.
With the Steamers dominating territory, a spark of individual brilliance from left winger Mateo Melupo after 30 minutes gave Northland its first real chance of the match - but his chip ahead after a strong run was spilled by Jack Ram and the Bay cleared.
With just four minutes remaining in the half another Melupo kick was fielded by Steamers winger Jack Wilson in his own 22. His attempted clearance kick was charged down by replacement Matt Wright who regained the ball and went over to score. Ash Moeke converted from out wide to make it 10-7.
