The Bay of Plenty Steamers were unable to capitalise on a gritty second half performance in blustery wet conditions, going down to the Wellington Lions 24-10 on Friday night.

The Lions had the bounce of the ball in the first half, with Wellington prop Reggie Goodes scoring twelve minutes into the match which took place at Wellington's Westpac Stadium.

File Photo.

Not long after, a weighted kick from Wellington's first five eight found their fullback Peter Umaga-Jensen to take the home side out to a 12-0 lead.

The Steamers utilised their lineout and attacked with confidence. Keeping the ball in hand the Steamers caused the Wellington defence to infringe, giving Luke Campbell the opportunity to put three points on the board twenty minutes in.

But moments later from the kick off a powerful break from Wellington lock Sam Lousi saw winger West Goosen score in the corner.

With the break looming Campbell made a break for the line, but with little support the Steamers were unable to capitalise on the opportunity.

But shortly after from set piece Campbell set up another chance for winger Monty Ioane to score, but following TMO review it was ruled not to have been grounded.

Despite a number of opportunities, the Steamers were unable to convert and the Wellington Lions led 17-3 at the half.

Returning from the break, the Lions showed their patience, holding onto the ball, stringing phases together, with the home side rewarded for their efforts with Goodes in for his second try.

The Steamers scrum continued to improve with the introduction of Aidan Ross and Pingi Tala'apitaga in the front row shortly into the second half.

Some solid scrummaging work and quick ball from substitute Ruki Tipuna allowed Dan Hollinshead to slip a left-footed grubber kick towards the posts for second five-eighths Terrence Hepetama to pick up for the try.

As the substitutes rolled on the Steamers continued to lift and had a number of opportunities to put some points on the board. But again their discipline allowed Wellington some defensive freedom through penalty clearances.

Despite placing the Wellington side under enormous pressure in the final stages the Steamers were unable to capitalise and it was to fall Wellington's way winning 24-10.

The Steamers will now recover and train in Wellington before heading south to Invercargill to take on Southland on Wednesday, September 21 at Rugby Park. Kick off at 7.30pm.

Wellington 24 (Reggie Goodes 2, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con)

Bay of Plenty 10 (Terrence Hepetama try; Luke Campbell pen; Dan Hollinshead con). HT: 17-3