The Steamers XV has posted a 20-13 victory against Taranaki in New Plymouth to reverse the result of the match-up between the two sides played in Katikati last Friday.

The game, at the Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth, was the second of two pre-season games between the Steamers XV and Taranaki.

The two games were the final trials for non-contracted players to impress the selectors and make a final push for Steamers selection.

The New Plymouth game began with the home team making the early running with a try. The Bay of Plenty representatives fought back though scoring a try themselves.

This try came courtesy of flying winger Sikeli Vorenasu, before Dan Waenga kicked a penalty goal right on halftime for the Steamers XV to take an 8-5 advantage into the break.

Bay of Plenty prop Tristan Moran made his mark in the match with two touchdowns in the second half.

The first came when he ran off Chris Noakes in a backline attack to score while his second try came from a concerted forward attack on the line.

A successful conversion resulted in the Steamers XV posting a solid 20-13 win against a team that they will meet again in the ITM Cup.

The ITM Cup match will be played in New Plymouth on Tuesday, August 9.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers squad to play in the 2011 ITM Cup is expected to be named today with the team assembling on Friday.

Preparations for the ITM Cup start in earnest with the team travelling to the Hawke's Bay on Monday for a team building/preparation camp based in Hastings.

During the week away, the Steamers will play two games, starting with Hawke's Bay on Tuesday before travelling to play Manawatu in Palmerston North on Friday next week.

Result June 29

Steamers XV 20 (Tristan Moran 2, Sikeli Vorenasu tries; Dan Waenga pen con) Taranaki 13 – HT 8-5.

Bay of Plenty Steamers Pre-Season Games

5 (Tuesday) July 2011 v Hawkes Bay @ McLean Park, Napier – kickoff 2pm.

8 (Friday) July 2011 v Manwatu @ IMG Stadium, Palmerston North kickoff 2pm.