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The real Bay stood up tonight with Bay of Plenty running out 30 - 11 winners over the Magpies in Napier. Fantastic and aggressive defence saw the Magpies shut down completely at their home ground, with the Bay scoring five tries to one. The highlight was a spectacular chip-chase-regather try to Colin Bourke, and had Dan Waenga or Phil Burleigh brought their goal kicking boots the scoreline would have been even better.
Several Bay of Plenty players were standouts, Luke Braid was the undisputed star at the breakdown following an early injury to Solomon King, Toby Arnold a constant threat on attack, Luke Andrews and Culum Rettalick led a strong tight five, and Taniela Moa was more involved than last week and looks to be gaining some match fitness. The full bench was used for the Bay, with Moa finishing the match at first-five.
The Magpies threatened at times in the second half, but aggressive defence, basic mistakes, and some key players not living up to their hype saw the Magpies shut out of the game until a consolation breakout try on the final whistle.
Scorers in the game were:
Bay of Plenty Steamers 30
Moa, Masaga, Waenga, Bourke, Tuoto; tries, Waenga 1 penalty, Burleigh 1 conversion
Hawkes Bay Magpies 11
Buckman; try, Horrell 2 penalties
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