Hawke's Bay have survvied a desperate second-half comeback from Counties Manukau to retain the Ranfurly Shield 33-32 and chalk up their first win of the National Provincial Championship season.
After battling reigning premiership champions Waikato to a draw in their campaign opener, the Magpies began strongly against their visitors, with four converted first-half tries providing a 28-6 halftime buffer.
Moana Pasifika first-five Lincoln McClutchie controlled proceedings, scoring the opening try and converting all four, as the Bay seemed on track for a big win.
But the Steelers have a proud, if not terribly productive Shield history, highlighted by many close calls and a solitary six-game tenure in 2013/14, when they lifted the Log O' Wood from these same opponents.
Winger Ahsee Tuala began their comeback with a try soon after the restart, before halfback Cam Roigard brought them within 10 points a few minutes later.
Replacement hooker Tyrone Thompson entered the action and scored an all-important try for the Magpies midway through the second half. In the final analysis, it proved the matchwinner, as Counties finished with converted tries to fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo and replacement hooker Ioane Maoanu to fall just a point short, as time ran out.
"It always felt like we had it, but at the back end of the game, they really put pressure on us and made it too close for comfort," confirmed Bay captain Tom Parsons.
"We did well to weather the storm and bring it back at the end of the first half, but coming out of the sheds, we let them get two tries and that got them back into the game.
"They got their tails up and put us under pressure, and we made mistakes. When you make mistakes against boys like that, it costs you."
Hawke's Bay 33 (McClutchie, Kereru-Symes, Fomai, Funaki & Thompson tries; McClutchie 4 conversions) Counties Manukau 32 (Tuala, Roigard, Nanai-Seturo & Maonanu tries; Hohepa 3 conversions & 2 penalties)
