A late comeback with a flurry of tries has been too little too late for the Bay of Plenty Steamers losing 29-27 to Manawatu in Palmerston North tonight.
Trailing 12-26 with 10 minutes to play, the Steamers scored 12 points in three minutes through prop Mike Kainga and hooker Joe Royal for a tense finish.
Bay of Plenty Steamers captain Culum Retallick with ball in hand. Photo: Rick Moran.
But from the ensuing kick off the Bay boys were unable to keep the ball in hand, knocking the ball on, gifting Manawatu the ball and the game.
It was an improved performance from the side following their 41-3 loss to Taranaki on Sunday - walking away with two valuable competition points.
Outscoring the home side four tries to three - Siegfried Fishiihoi, Culum Retallick, Kainga and Royal all crossing the line - it was the boot of Manawatu first five Otere Black paving the way.
Black kicked one conversion and four penalties for a 14 point haul.
The Steamers must now regroup ahead of their clash with North Harbour in Rotorua on Sunday.
1 comment
14 GK
Posted on 04-09-2014 10:53 | By 1 4 GK
Encouragement at last - and two bonus points in the bank as well. We've got a long road ahead if we want to get back into the Premiership though...
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