Bay of Plenty Steamers have been beaten by their rugby neighbours Waikato 43-10 but remain in the top half of the ITM Cup Championship.

In the latest round of the ITM Cup, the Bay couldn't continue the form they had shown beating Southland 26-10 on Wednesday night. The Steamers took on their Premiership neighbours in front of about 7000 strong crowd at Tauranga Domain this afternoon.

Steamers in action against Waikato this afternoon. Photos: Cameron Avery.

Although the Steamers started strong with an early penalty to second-five Dan Hollinshead in the third minute and some strong running by right winger Tino Nemani. It was all Waikato in the first half running in three converted tries and a penalty to take the first half 24-3.

The Steamers showed encouraging signs throughout the game but lacked enthusiasm in the kick and chase giving Waikato too much space and time on the return.

Waikato appeared to find holes on the inside channel of the Steamers defence off-loading to their inside runners and making several decisive breaks. Waikato halfback Brad Weber was almost unstoppable making breaks from the ruck and scoring two of his teams two first half tries.

His first try was a nice off-load in general play which gave Jordan Payne a break and a draw-and=pass to give Weber and easy run to the line and for first-five Damian McKenzie the first of his six from seven kicks for the day.

Waikato's second try a forward effort when hooker Mike Mayhew barging over in the 22 minute for McKenzie to convert.

Weber's second try was again an off-load which saw the nippy little half sprint 25m to score under the posts and McKenzie made easy work of the kick.

The second half was similar to the first, with Waikato off-loading and putting players in space and almost scoring at will. The visitors would go on to score three tries in the second half to Bay of Plenty's sole converted try.

Waikato scored their bonus point try in the 50^th minute to Payne converted by McKenzie.

It was apparent the three games in less than a week had paid a toll on Clayton McMillan coached side but he was pleased to see his side never gave up throughout the 80 minutes.

The Steamers scored a consolation converted try in the 73rd minute to replacement player Joe Tupe to make it 36-10, but it was too little too late.

Waikato scored a late converted try to lock James Tucker to take the full-time score to 43-10.

Despite the Steamers loss it is forth game with victories over fellow Championship side North Harbour (20-11) and Southland (26-10) and a loss toPremiership side Tasman (13-34). The Steamers next match is against Counties Manukau in Pukekohe on September 6 at 4.35pm.

Scorers:

Waikato 41 (B Weber 2, M Mayhew, J Payne, Z Kapeli, J Tucker tries: D McKenzie 4 cons, 1 pen)

Steamers 10 (J Tupe try: DHollinshead 1 pen 1 con) Halftime: 24-3