Another spirited comeback from the Bay of Plenty Steamers just failed to achieve victory with Taranaki taking out the ITM Cup game played in New Plymouth on Tuesday night.

Lelia Masaga scored a double on Tuesday night.

Steamers winger Lelia Masaga set the game alive midway through the first spell when he grabbed two tries in two minutes as the Steamers went out to a 20-6 lead.

However, Taranaki squared the first half at 20-all with three further penalty goals to Beauden Barrett and a try.

Barrett set an ITM Cup goal kicking record – with his six successful penalty second half attempts taking his match tally to nine.

Two late match Steamers touchdowns to Lance MacDonald and Sam Cane weren't enough as the home side took out the match 39-33.

However, the Steamers picked up two valuable bonus points courtesy of four tries and finishing within seven of the winners.

Full match report to follow.

Result 9 August 2011

Taranaki 39 Bay of Plenty Steamers 33 (Lelia Masaga 2, Sam Cane, Lance MacDonald tries; Chris Noakes 2 pen 2 con, Dan Waenga pen)