The Bay of Plenty Steamers have fallen short of yet another ITM Cup victory for the 2014 season after suffering a large 41-3 loss to Taranaki in New Plymouth this afternoon.

It was all one way traffic in the first half with the home side running in five tries to the Steamers sole penalty for a 34-3 half time lead.

Bay of Plenty Steamers first five Te Rangi Fraser at last week's game. Photo: Rick Moran.

The second half might have seen Taranaki score a try with time almost up on the clock, but Bay of Plenty were the dominant team in regard to possession and territory in the final stanza – but were unable to register any points.

The home team made the better start, even if they struggled to turn their early advantages into points. A missed penalty by Marty McKenzie, who continued his fine start to the season, was rectified in the 11th minute when the first five-eighth kicked over three points.

Towards the end of the first quarter Taranaki scored the first try, with Cody Rei benefitting from some great work from the home pack, allowing the speedster to run nearly 50 metres for the try.

Dan Hollinshead struck over the Steamers first points in the 21st minute, but roughly 70 seconds later Blade Thomson would breach the line.

Minutes later Waisake Naholo would be the beneficiary of an amazing counter attack from the Amber and Blacks, playing champagne rugby to score the third try for the ‘Naki.

Big lock James Broadhurst would score another with less than half an hour on the clock, giving the home team the bonus point try with 29 minutes played.

Charlie Ngatai would add another in the 34th minute after the wonderful Taranaki attack, with options and runners from everywhere, stretched to a 34-3 lead – a point in a minute effort to open the contest.

The second half would belong to Bay of Plenty, but while we may reflect on statistical dominance from the tourist, Taranaki was not missing tackles like the Steamers.

However the Bay would spend long periods in the Taranaki half.

The Amber and Blacks, whose attack seemed to go to sleep at times in the second stanza, maintained their strict defensive patterns and keep the Steamers out.

Taranaki, who will finish the round in the top four of the Premiership, have another home game next week with Southland arriving in New Plymouth.

The Steamers have a short turnaround, opening round four with an away game against Manawatu on Wednesday.

Taranaki 41

Tries: Rei, Thomson, Naholo, Broadhurst, Ngatai, McKenzie

Cons: McKenzie (4)

Pens: McKenzie

Bay of Plenty 3

Pens: Hollinshead