News

The PIC Steelers have fallen to neighbours Waikato 34-20 in their Bunnings Warehouse NPC match at Navigation Homes Stadium on Friday night.

The home side led for long periods in the game and will rue some costly mistakes that saw the visitors take control of the game late.

Reon Graham’s side made a hot start to take an early 10-0 against the defending NPC champions before Waikato bounced back to draw level midway through the first spell.

A late period attacking the Waikato line just before halftime went begging as Counties Manukau just couldn’t find a way across the line.

They took the lead in the second half again but Waikato were able to draw level before securing the key go-ahead try with 10 minutes to play.

A PIC Steelers knock-on in their own danger zone saw Waikato pounce on the loose ball and seal victory and deny a bonus point as well.

The three All Blacks all gave a good account of themselves but Graham will be sweating on how star fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo pulls up after limping off with a hamstring injury in the second half.

The PIC Steelers travel to Tauranga next Sunday for a clash with Bay of Plenty.