It was a game of two halves in Invercargill as the Steamers were tested by the home side, but came back in the dying stage with only 14 men to fall short 20-16 to the Southland Stags.

Within minutes of kick-off, the Steamers were rewarded with a penalty. Kelly Haimona successfully converted to take the Steamers out to an early 3-0 lead.

The Steamers came out with a much needed bonus point after last night's game. File photo.

The Southland side responded accordingly from the restart, seeing Wharenui Hawera successfully converting a penalty to tie the scores up.

The Steamers started their attack. From a successful line out, the forwards created a great pick and go to see loose head prop Aidan Ross go over for the try. Haimona was unable to convert leaving the Steamers with a 8-3 lead.

The team continued to apply pressure and the Southland side tested the advantage line and were penalised for offside. But Haimona pulled the ball wide and failed to convert. Southland's penalty count continued to climb, providing another opportunity for the Steamers to extend their lead. With a change in kicking duties, Dan Hollinshead stepped up. The distance was good but he hooked it to the left, again leaving the score 8-3.

After solid defence the Stags failed to hold onto the ball. Again in possession of the ball the Steamers applied pressure, causing the Southland side to give away yet another penalty. Haimona kicked for the corner instead of taking the attempt at goal, another successful line out and solid driving maul saw Joe Tupe over the line giving the Steamers a 13-3 lead at the break.

The teams returned from the break. Southland came out firing. First Jimmy Cowan chipped over the Steamers defensive line, with a favourable bounce seeing James Schrader in for the try and Hawera converted with ease. In the fifty fourth minute Southland were rewarded for their patience on attack, seeing their forwards drive over the line, with Cowan claiming the try to take Southland out to a lead 17-13.

Steamers responded, applying pressure at the break down, causing Southland to concede another penalty. Hollinshead made no mistake and converted to draw the score to within one.

The Steamers were down to fourteen men for the remainder of the game, following a yellow card to Solomona Sakalia.

Hawera accurate with the boot converted the penalty.

It was to be Southland's night taking the win 20-16. The Steamers didn't walk away empty handed earning themselves a much needed bonus point.

The Steamers will return home to face Auckland at Rotorua International Stadium on Sunday 25 September at 4.35pm.

Southland: 20 (James Schrader, Elliot Dixon tries, Wharenui Hawera 2 pen, 2 con) Bay of Plenty: 16 (Aidan Ross, Joe Tupe tries, Kelly Haimona pen, Dan Hollinshead pen)