Counties Manukau have notched their first win of the Mitre 10 cup season after holding off Bay of Plenty 39-34 in Pukekohe.
Bay of Plenty got the early lead thanks to Monty Ioane who dived over in the corner, then Scotland international Hugh Blake caught the Steelers defence napping and dived over under the posts.
Counties managed to get one back before the break as flanker Jordan Taufua found his way over the line.
Bay of Plenty led 15-11 at the break.
Momentum then swung towards the home side when Viliame Rarasea managed to dot the ball down.
The Steamers were then reduced to 14 men after try scorer Moty Ioane was carded for a deliberate knockdown which resulted in a penalty try for Counties.
Counties then scored two quick tries through Sione Molia, and Sherwin Stowers, both against the run of play.
Trailing 39-15 with 14 minutes to play, the Steamers began their fight back as James O'Reilly, Reagan Ware, and Ioane added his second, but the Steamers ran out of time in the end.
Counties Manukau will play Hawke's Bay next week while Bay of Plenty face Otago.
Newshub.
