While the match-up between a Steamers XV and Taranaki, played before a crowd of around two thousand spectators at Moore Park in Katikati on Friday (24 June 2011) was taken our by Taranaki - the difference was the penalty goals kicked by the visitors, with both teams touching down two tries apiece. .
Both sides adapted well to the wet and muddy conditions, with a try to Taranaki's Samuela Vunisa opening the scoring after 10 minutes. The Bay side replied five minutes later with Lance MacDonald scorching down the sideline to dot the ball down. After a successful conversion from Chris Noakes, the Bay of Plenty representatives led 7-5.
Halfway through the first half Jackson Ormond scored a try for the visitors, with Fraser Climo adding a penalty right on half time, which saw Taranaki take a 13-7 advantage into the break.
Luke Andrews crashed over in the second half for the Steamers XV, however the difference was the three penalty goals slotted by Taranaki kicker Fraser Climo in the second half - which resulted in the visitors taking out the encounter 22-12.
While the Bay of Plenty side were in the contest throughout, they could consider themselves a little unlucky when the score line was at 19-12. Flying winger Sikeli Bola intercepted the ball with Taranaki hot on attack and scampered 80 metres to touch down under the posts – only to be called back by the referee for an off side call.
The two teams will back up in a second pre-season encounter, when they meet again at the Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth next Wednesday (29 June 2011) afternoon. The second encounter between the Steamers XV and Taranaki is the final trial for the non-contracted players to impress the selectors, and make a final push for Steamers selection.
The Bay of Plenty Steamers to participate in the 2011 ITM Cup will be named on the 30th June 2011 following the second trial match, with the Steamers team assembling on Friday 1 July 2011.
BOP Steamers XV v Taranaki Result
Taranaki 22 (Samuela Vunisa, Jackson Ormond tries; Fraser Climo 4 pens) BOP Steamers XV 12 (Lance Macdonald, Luke Andrews tries; Chris Noakes con)
Bay of Plenty Steamers XV Games
29 (Wednesday) 2011 v Taranaki @ Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth – kickoff 2pm.
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