The Bay of Plenty Steamers dug deep for Saturday’s win against the Hawke’s Bay Magpies, and destiny is now in their hands to make the Hilux NPC playoffs.

They beat the Magpies 32-17 at Tauranga Domain, winning the MacRae-Shelford Bay Cup.

Head coach Richard Watt said the boys “gutsed it out” and “dug deep” for the Battle of the Bays.

He said the team halved their error rate, with 12 errors compared to 24 in previous matches.

“The last two weeks were pretty disappointing by our own standards,” he told NZME.

“We put the lens on our game, and we were making way too many errors, giving away too many penalties.”

Watt said the team’s discipline had been poor.

The boys were “nice and physical” on Saturday, backed by a home crowd.

“The boys loved playing at the domain.”

Watt said the first half was played into the wind.

“We looked after the ball; we had good possession and territory.”

The Steamers claimed the first try from centre Tamiro Armstrong, converted by first five-eighths Lucas Cashmore.

By halftime, the Steamers had a 10-point lead over the Magpies.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers started the second half leading 15-5. Photo / BOP Rugby Union

However, second-half performances had not been “up to standard” recently.

“We had to weather a bit of a comeback from the Magpies, because they’re a good team.”

Watt said the game was an “arm wrestle” when the score hit 22-17.

Magpies lock Tom Allen and wing Darby Lancaster scored two tries in the second half.

Cashmore widened the lead with a penalty, and fullback Cole Forbes scored a try in the 71st minute, then converted by Cashmore.

“The boys gutsed it out, dug deep, and we finished the game well.”

The Steamers now have a quick turnaround before Thursday’s round nine match against Tasman Mako.

Kick-off is 7.10pm at Trafalgar Park in Nelson.

“They’re a good team,” Watt said.

“We’re all in a tight race for the playoffs.”

He said the Steamers and the Mako both had 22 points, “so there’s plenty at stake”.

The Tasman Mako are ranked eighth on the NPC table, while the Bay of Plenty Steamers are ranked ninth.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers play the Tasman Moko this Thursday night at Trafalgar Park in Nelson. Photo / BOP Rugby Union

The top eight make the playoffs.

“A win this week is massive. To make the playoffs is still in our control. Destiny is in our hands.”

Watt said three All Blacks were joining the Steamers side on Thursday.

Wingers Emoni Narawa and Fehi Fineanganofo, and prop Pasilio Tosi had returned from the All Blacks Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa.

Watt said the team was focused on physicality and looking after the ball.

“We’ve been coughing up the ball too easily. The boys stepped up in that area in the weekend, so we need to keep doing more of that.”

Watt said the win boosted the team’s belief and confidence going forward.

“We’ve just got to back it up now.”

Bijou Johnson is a multimedia journalist based in Bay of Plenty. A passionate writer and reader, she grew up in Tauranga and developed a love for journalism while exploring various disciplines at university. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Massey University.