The definition of gutsy should be changed to 22 proud men wearing blue and gold.

Everything that's been thrown at the Steamers this season, they've survived.

They've gone from their trip from hell when the Air New Zealand Cup opened up four weeks ago in a flooded Blenheim, to last night's resolute performance against a fired-up Northland side in front of 15,000 screaming fans in Whangarei.

The Steamers won the game 15-10 to extend their unbeaten run but it was the manner of the fight and courage shown in the victory which was notable.

Even big prop James McGougan admitted the atmosphere had his stomach in a spin before the kickoff.

"I don't normally get nervous but I had butterflies," McGougan said, clutching a left knee wrapped in ice.

"We knew it was going to be one of those games where they just hammered and came out with a lot of passion."

A hostile atmosphere doesn't cut it. The Bay were as welcome at Okara Park as Russian tanks in Georgia.

This was supposedly Northland's time to make a stand and show the New Zealand Rugby Union, and the rest of rugby land, they deserve to stay in the provincial competition beyond this season.

A home win and the biggest crowd in 20 years would have put emphasis on their case.

Chuck in the bizarre display by referee Chris Pollock which seriously favoured the homeside and a stomach bug, which affected half the Steamers, and the cards were falling Northland's way.

But this Bay team is proving to be special. What they lack in star quality they make up for in pride.

The field wasn't a place for the faint-hearted and captain Tanerau Latimer called upon his team's tenacity during the build up, and when they gathered in a circle before kickoff some more words hit home.

"The best line that came out - because everyone just rattles and raves a bit - was to play with pride and play with mana," McGougan said.

This was on display with at least half-a-dozen crucial tackles in the final minutes with Mike Delany's on a runaway Fetu'u Vainakola the pick.

The loose forwards were again sensational while the tight five rumbled on with McGougan and co gaining the edge.

He scored his first try at this level, one which enabled the Steamers to lead 8-7 at halftime and it brought a lot of satisfaction to the Tauranga Sports hardman.

"They threw the ball in, it popped. I caught it and got over excited and drove for the line and someone was pushing behind me.

"The backs always pat you on the back for the scrums and stuff but it's just not the same as getting across the line."

The Bay's second try went to Lance MacDonald who received the final pass from a rampant Latimer. Delany had a faultless night with the boot, adding two conversions and a penalty.

Northland captain Justin Collins admitted the night was a big one.

"I saw stage fright in a couple of guys too," Collins said. "I was worried that was going happen when the talk started about the crowd, and when the crowd turned up it put a bit of pressure on."

Result:Bay of Plenty 15 (Joe Savage, Lance MacDonald tries; Mike Delany pen, con) Northland 10 (David Holwell try; Holwell pen, con). Halftime: 8-7.