Bay steam into NPC semi-finals

A try and two conversions from fly-half Glen Jackson gave Bay of Plenty a 14-9 win over North Harbour in Albany on Sunday - a victory that secures the Steamers a berth in the 2004 NPC semi-finals.

Jackson has dug his side out of a number of holes this season, and did so again on Sunday by snatching back the lead with a converted try after the hosts had gone six points up.

The try - scored after the North Harbour defence bought Jackson's sublime dummy - left the visitors leading 7-6 at the break.

Luke McAlister kicked the home side into the lead again early in the second half, but Bay won the day with a converted try from winger Anthony Tahana after good work from the forwards left North Harbour struggling to fill the gaps on the short side.

The victory sees Bay finish third in the standings, which means they travel to Christchurch to take on Canterbury in next Saturday's semi-final.

Wellington, who finished first, will play fourth-placed Waikato in Friday's semi-final at the Westpac Stadium.

The scorers:

For Bay of Plenty:
Tries: Jackson, Tahana
Cons: Jackson 2

For North Harbour:
Pens: McAlister 3