The Steamers are now preparing to take on Tasman Makos after beating North Harbour 20-11 at ASB Baypark last night.

Heavy rain made for unpleasant conditions in the curtain raiser match between Bay of Plenty Development and Counties Manukau Development.

The Steamers finished with a 10 point lead over North Harbour. Photos: Bay of Plenty Rugby Facebook.

The weather didn't hinder Counties running attack, scoring two tries in the first half and leaving Bay of Plenty Development scoreless.

Leading 12 – 0 heading into the second half, Counties were eager to keep attacking. Patients proved to be rewarding for the Bay of Plenty side, with Taylor Jones scoring a try.

It was, however, Counties Manukau who had the last say, scoring a converted try to win 19 – 5 over the Bay of Plenty Development side.

Despite heavy rain in the development match, the rain cleared in time for the teams to run out onto Baypark.

The team were eager to start on the front foot, with Steamers winger Tino Nemani making their intentions clear sparking the open attack.

Six minutes in on debut Terrence Hepetema left the field with an ankle injury and was replaced by debutant Caleb Hall.

North Harbours Junior Tofa Va'a opened the scoring 10 minutes into the first half, Matt McGahan unable to convert the try, the score remained 0 – 5 to Harbour.

The Harbour team grew in confidence on attack, applying pressure in the Steamers twenty two.

The Harbour team were unable to capitalise on their possession, due to a combination of strong defence from the Steamers and two kickable penalties missed by McGahan, the score remained 0 – 5 to Harbour.

The Steamers got their first points on the board following some successful attacking play from the Steamers, which led to a penalty.

Steamers took the lineout option, resulting in halfback Papa Wharewera diving over for a try on debut. Nick Evemy hit the post with the conversion, tying up the score five all.

The Steamers attack gathered momentum as the halftime hooter sounded, Tino Nemani showing his attacking skills to regathering a chip kick.

The attacking play proving successful for the Steamers, with Evemy slotting a penalty to lead the 8 – 5 at the break.

The Steamers upped the momentum in the second half, dominating possession and showed promise on attack. S

ubstitutions rolled on including halfback Te Aihe Toma, in his 15th blazer game, and openside flanker Zak Hohneck.

Toma taking a quick tap from a handy penalty, led to Evemy breaking the Harbour defence.

Nathan Harris followed up but the ball slipped out of the hookers' possession. Fifteen minutes into the second half saw debutant Chase Tiatia breaking the line to score. Evemy converted to push out the lead to 15 – 5.

Harbour closed the lead through the boot of Daniel Halangahu converting two penalties to bring the score to 15 – 11 with 15 minutes to play.

The Steamers attacked again but the Harbour defence survived and another try went begging.

Harbour were not going to let up, the Steamers team collectively defended their line, resulting in debutant Troy Callander turning the ball over.

With only five minutes to play Tiatia split open the Harbour defence, scoring the match winning try and highlighted why he was the man of the match.

The new look Steamers walking away with their first ITM Cup win over the season, 20 – 11 over North Harbour.

The man of the match was awarded to Chase Tiatia, who scored twice during his debut match overnight.

Man of the match: Chase Tiatia.

Next week they will take on the Tasman Makos in Nelson on Friday night, kicking off at 7.35pm.