The Bay of Plenty Steamers have begun their team building/preparation camp for the 2011 ITM Cup in Hawke's Bay with a loss to the Magpies.

A 17-5 lead to Hawke's Bay at the halftime break saw the Steamers in contention, however, Hawke's Bay upped the tempo in the second half to take out the encounter 27-10.

Halfback Taniela Moa dotted down the Steamers' first half try with Chris Noakes grabbing the Steamers' second touch down in the second spell.

In recent seasons the Bay of Plenty team has punched well above its weight in the NPC.

This is attributable to the unique bond that being a Steamer brings to the players chosen to wear the blue and gold uniform.

At the start of camp, Steamers head coach Sean Horan said it was about team building and not necessarily about match results.

'The week away is about introducing the new season recruits to the Steamers culture,” says Sean.

'It is also about aligning the younger players in the team with the vast range of rugby experience that the likes of Steve Kefu, Jamie Nutbrown and Bronson Murray bring to this seasons team, as well as fine tuning the squad for the ITM Cup.”

The camp continues this week, and finishes with the second pre-season game against Manawatu at IMG Stadium in Palmerston North on Friday, July 8.

Result July 5

Hawkes Bay 27 BOP Steamers 10 (Taniela Moa, Chris Noakes tries)

Bay of Plenty Steamers Pre-Season Games

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