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Auckland's Matt Berquist - Source: Photosport
Auckland have beaten Bay of Plenty 11-6, holding the home side scoreless in the second half at a sodden Baypark Stadium this afternoon.
The Steamers gifted Auckand the only try of the match in the opening minutes, after a wayward pass was intercepted by Jamie Helleur who was stopped just short of the white chalk.
The ball was shifted quickly out to the right where the Bay defenders were struggling to get back onside, and Atieli Pakalani slid in for an easy five-pointer.
The remainder of the half saw first five-eigth Phil Burleigh and his Auckland opposite Matt Berquist trade penalties in the miserable conditions at Mt Maunganui.
Big Auckland prop Tevita Mailau charged over the line in the 57th minute and looked to have opened the visitors' account in the second half, but a try-saving tackle from Toby Arnold forced the TMO to rule held-up.
The constant drizzle meant ball handling was always going to be a problem and both sides struggled holding onto the pill for more than a few phases.
The Bay came close to scoring several times in the second spell but a lack of patience and composure let them down.
As the clock wound down in the final 10 minutes, the Steamers went for the all-out assault, and Auckland were called to defend their own line.
The Aucklanders could only kill the ball and infringe in a desperate attempt to keep the Bay out, and referee Josh Noonan had seen enough and sent Onosai Auva'a to the bin.
It didn't matter, as the rain set in and Auckland managed to hold on for the much needed four competition points, and retain the John Drake Boot.
Auckland 11 (Atieli Pakalani try; Matt Berquist 2 pen).
Bay of Plenty 6 (Phil Burleigh 2 pen).
Halftime: 11-6.
