In the sun at Tauranga Domain the Taranaki Hokioi stood with the Bay of Plenty Ngawha for a moments silence for a BOP stalwart of the game in the last development game of the season.  

The match ended in a tight 24-19 loss to Bay of Plenty, finishing fifth in the competition.

The first seven minutes saw Bay of Plenty challenge the Hokioi defence hard with the game staying in the Taranaki 5 meter mark. Once Taranaki found their feet they managed to hit the Bay of Plenty line hard with a strong team try awarded to Liam Blyde in the 12^th minute. First Five Brent Aston-Landers added the remaining two points to get the Hokioi into the lead 7-0.

In the 16^th minute Johnny Faletagoai-Malese touched down with a great try after some solid Taranaki defence

24 minutes in and Bay of Plenty showed their attacking strength with a strong converted try under the posts

With the score 12-7 half time, the Hokioi held the lead until eight minutes into the second half when Bay of Plenty scored an unconverted try taking the scoreboard to 12 all. After this, the Hokioi settle into some strong attack however after a few mistakes and turnovers Bay of Plenty scored another unconverted try taking the lead into their hands.

20 minutes into the second half, the Bay of Plenty attack was consistent and they managed to score again with a converted try taking the lead to 24-12.

After this try, the Hokioi bench came on to make some changes with attack and defence with this proving a good change up with mid fielder Josh Thompson scoring a try under the posts at the 30minute mark with the extra 2 points added from the boot of Aston-Landers. This took the score to 24-19.

The Hokioi then worked hard on attack against a strong defence from Bay of Plenty with many opportunities presenting themselves and with one minute to go on the clock, Taranaki worked hard within the Bay of Plenty five-meter mark to try and make something happen. Unfortunately, due to a turnover this dashed all hopes of getting over the line. The final whistle blown with Bay of Plenty kicking the ball out to end the game.

Man of the match – Johnny Faletagoai-Malese

Taranaki Hokioi Management team would like to thank the strong support of Cole Brown, Phillip and Simon Marsh this year.

Also, a massive shout out to the full Hokioi squad of players and wider training groups this year you all did the Amber and Black proud.

The Port Taranaki Whio narrowly lost to Northland 22-12 in the Farah Palmer Cup on Saturday afternoon in Inglewood.

Taranaki played their best match all season and was only separated by two late Northland tries after being 10-0 down at the break.

Chelsea Fowler and Jalana Smith scored the two second half tries for the home side.

The Whio will play North Harbour at QBE Stadium on Friday night, kick off is at 5:05pm and live on SKY Sport.

The FirstGas Taranaki U18 lost to a strong Northland side 64-14 at TET Stadium in Inglewood.

Article added: Monday 30 September 2019