BoP holds off late Taniwha charge

The Bay of Plenty grinded out a much needed 29-24 win away to Northland, edging closer to a semi-final birth in the Air New Zealand NPC. Plenty had to be solid of defence to squash a late Northland comeback.

Although the Steamers had secured their bonus point with their fourth try long before the final whistle, a late fight back from the Taniwha meant the guests had to defend a scrum near their own line to win the game.

Captain Wayne Ormond was on hand to help steal possession back and fly-half Glenn Jackson's touch finding kick meant the points were heading down to Tauranga.

The Steamers needed a win at Whangarei to keep their semi-final aspirations on track and they got off to the best possible start.

The game went from end to end and turned into a dogfight, but the Steamers pulled out an eight-point lead when Jackson landed a 56th minute penalty after a Northland defender strayed offside as the Steamers launched an attack.

Their 22-14 lead was reduced when the Northland started putting pressure on the Bay of Plenty as Huxley landed a penalty with 15 minutes remaining to close the gap to 22-17.

The Steamers scored another good try when No 8 Bourke again after being fed by super-sub Paul Tupai.

Hooker Ngarimu Simpkins carried on the movement and when brought down with the line at his mercy, he flicked the pass over his head to the waiting arms of Rua Tipoki who went over for the crucial fourth try which brought the bonus point.

The scores:

For Northland:
Tries: Toailoa, Fauleuka 2
Cons: Huxley 3
Pens: Huxley

For Bay of Plenty:
Tries: Filise, Cashmore, Latu, Tipoki.
Cons: Jackson 3
Pens: Jackson