The Bay of Plenty Steamers began their 2009 campaign under the shadows of Mount Taranaki with a narrow 26-18 loss - when they faced fellow Air New Zealand Cup contenders Taranaki on Friday (10 July 2009).

The match was the first of three preparatory games for the Steamers, before the Air New Zealand Cup starts in earnest on the last day of July.

In a match where all 22 players took to the field during the encounter, ex league player Clinton Toopi scored the opening try for the Steamers.

In what was a arm-wrestle throughout, Nick McCashin and Hinimona Marr grabbed two further touchdowns, with McCashin adding a penalty goal. The try by Hinimona Marr marked a excellent debut for a youngster that was playing for Rotorua Boys High twelve months ago.

Team management were happy with the first up performance of the Steamers who were without several first choice players. Taranaki had the added benefit of having beaten Manawatu last week.

The game saw several team objectives met, with the side knowing exactly where they are with the Air New Zealand Cup on the horizon.

Next Friday (17 July 2009) the Steamers will play at home for the first time this season when they face Counties Manukau in Whakatane. The last of the warm-up encounters will take place in Tauranga the following Friday, when they meet long time rivals Hawkes Bay.

BOP Steamers v Taranaki Result
Taranaki 26 BOP Steamers 18 (Clinton Toopi, Hinimona Marr, Nick McCashin tries; McCashin pen)

2009 Steamers Pre-Season Games
17 July v Counties Manukau @ Rugby Park, Whakatane at 3pm.
24 July v Hawkes Bay @ Tauranga at 2pm.