Ihaia West missed a last-gasp penalty as Auckland edged out Hawke's Bay 25-24 in a thrilling Mitre 10 Cup clash at McLean Park on Wednesday.
Auckland beat Hawke's Bay in Mitre 10 Cup
Ihaia West missed a last-gasp penalty as Auckland edged out Hawke's Bay 25-24 in a thrilling Mitre 10 Cup clash at McLean Park
West had the chance to snatch a first victory of the season for the home side, but his kick drifted wide of the posts to give last year's runners-ups a third consecutive win.
Auckland were way off their best and trailed 11-3 at half-time after West scored a try and six points with the boot, but Hawke's Bay were unable to press home their advantage.
Greg Pleasants-Tate and Vince Aso touched down for Auckland after the interval, with captain Simon Hickey landing a penalty five minutes from time to take his tally to 10 points and give his side a one-point advantage.
Hickey failed from the tee for the first time in the game with just two minutes to go, but West was unable to make him pay.
JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!
Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:
Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh