And Mike Fraser blows the final whistle! What a close finish this has been! Although Hawke's Bay had possession right at the depth, they just had too much territory to make up. What a second half of rugby we have witnessed. Steamers came out all guns blazing and really applied the pressure in the 10 minute spell that Zac Guildford was in the sin bin. Hawke's Bay will be perhaps rueing those 3 missed penalties in the first half - but that cannot be taken away from the excellent comeback shown by the home side to get their much sought after first win of the ITM Cup! And that marks the end of Ultimate Rugby's coverage of this epic encounter in the Battle of the Bay's - hope you all enjoyed it!

What a turn of events! Just as we thought the Steamers were running away with the game, Chris Eaton, only on the pitch a few minutes, tears the defense wide open with an excellent dummy! He links up with his fellow half-back to send West over the line. West converts his own try to now reduce the gap to 4. Game is now wide open - 24-20.

Bay of Plenty have really upped the intensity with the extra man! Hawke's Bay are penalised for an intentional knockdown on what looked like almost a certain Bay of Plenty try! Lucky not to have another man sent to the bin. Ripia however splits the uprights with his attempt and extends the lead to 8 points. 21-13 to the Steamers!

Try for Bay of Plenty! Using the man advantage, Bay of Plenty apply relentless pressure and turn down the shot at goal with a penalty on the opposition 5m line. Ripia goes quickly, evades one tackler before touching down for his side's second try of the game! Ripia regains his breath before slotting over the extras! Bay of Plenty now take the lead for the first time in the match. 18-13 to the home side!

A brief moment of madness for Guildford! Having spilling a high ball in the wet conditions inside his own 22, Guildford is sent to the bin in the subsequent phase for a professional foul of killing the ball. Ripia capitalises on the man advantage and slots his place kick between the uprights, reducing the deficit to 2 points. 13-11 to the visitors!

A great reaction from the visitors! Hawke's Bay are awarded a penalty just outside the Steamers' 22m line. West makes no mistake with the place kick after missing the two previous attempts at goal - a definite confidence booster! He thus extends his side's lead to 5 points. 13-8 to the Magpies!

Try for Bay of Plenty! Just the start they needed! After 8 mins of rather scrappy play in the wet conditions, the Steamers capitalise on a 5m lineout and No. 8 Joe Tupe held a low body position to crash over for his side's opening try of the game. Ripia sees his conversion attempt drift wide however. The gap is now reduced to 2 points. 10-8!

And referee Mike Fraser blows his whistle drawing the first half to a close at Bay Park. The visitors will evidently be pleased with the lead at half-time but may be slightly disappointed to not be leading by more - with 3 missed penalties and that golden opportunity 5 mins from half-time. The hosts, Bay of Plenty, may be counting themselves lucky to be only 7 behind but similarly may be disappointed with a squandered chance deep in Magpies' half on the 38 minute mark! The next score is crucial so both teams will be looking to keep up the intensity that marked the end of the first half, so stay tuned!

Hawke's Bay come tantalisingly close to getting their second try of the game! O'Connor displays his immense power to barge past one defender but fails to hold on to the ball in crossing the line. After confirmation from the TMO, the ref doesn't award the try. The score remains at 10-3

Steamers are beginning to have serious problems at the breakdown, having given away four consecutive penalties! BOP Steamers really need to sort out their discipline!