It's a case of so close, yet so far for the Bay of Plenty Steamers after losing 30-27 to Northland in the dying stages at ASB Baypark tonight,

With the scores level 27-27 at the 68th minute mark the two sides looked consigned to taking away equal points from the match before a 79th minute penalty sunk Bay hearts.

Bay of Plenty Steamers No.8 Carl Axtens offloads against Northland at ASB Baypark. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

The result leaves the Steamers at the bottom of the championship table with just the solitary win.

And it wasn't a good start for the home side with Northland racing out to a 10-0 lead after nine minutes thanks to a try after three minutes coupled with a penalty.

Clawing their way into the lead through tries to wing Siaosi Iongi and hooker Joe Royal for a 14-10 scoreline, the Steamers once again fell behind with the visitors crossing for a 17-14 lead at the break.

Grabbing a penalty in the opening minute of the second half, through the boot of first five Dan Hollinshead, the home side then made it 20-17 after 57 minutes.

But this was shortlived with Northland awarded its own penalty right out in front, merely a minute later, locking things up 20 a-piece with 23 minutes to play.

Gaining a touch of ascendency in patches through some strong forward play the Steamers were soon rewarded, lock Tim Bond crashing over off the back of a driving maul.

Leading 27-20 things were looking promising for the small yet faithful crowd hopeful of the side's second win of the season.

But it wasn't to be.

Grabbing a try in the 68th minute through a slick midfield move, Northland quickly locked things up once again and then snatched the win with the last minute penalty, hanging on for the win.

The Steamers next face Otago at ASB Baypark next Saturday at 5.35pm.