Bay of Plenty Steamers are celebrating a 19-15 win over Waikato.

Rising No 10 Lucas Cashmore guided Bay of Plenty to a narrow win against Waikato on Saturday to win the Battle of the Kaimai in the NPC as two of the country’s best young playmakers went head-to-head.

Lucas, a star of the New Zealand under-20s side last year, showed he is a player to watch with some excellent tactical kicking against the Mooloos.

He linked well with Highlanders No 8 Nikora Broughton to set up an important try for No 9 Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi just before half-time, before grabbing a five-pointer of his own in the second spell.

Bay of Plenty Steamers against Waikato at Tauranga Domain on Saturday. Photo: Bay of Plenty Rugby.

The Mooloos, who were unconvincing in a narrow win against Southland last week, had their share of possession and opportunities but weren’t quite clinical enough.

With new signing Josh Ioane injured, young Crusaders playmaker Taha Kemara ran the Waikato attack and had some very good moments, although a knock-on in contact after a scything second-half run probably cost his side a try.

Bay of Plenty Steamers won the Battle of the Kaimai at Tauranga Domain on Saturday. Photo: Bay of Plenty Rugby.

Waikato No 13 Bailyn Sullivan also made some good metres, a week after his brother Zarn kicked a late matchwinning conversion for Auckland on the same ground.

However, Bailyn was also shown a yellow card for tackling Wharenui Hawera in the air, and they couldn’t overturn a 14-3 halftime deficit.

At Tauranga Domain: Bay of Plenty 19 (Leroy Carter 19’, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi 39’ tries, Lucas Cashmore 53’ tries; Lucas Cashmore 2 con) Waikato 15 (Malachi Wrampling-Alec 46’, Bailyn Sullivan 63’ tries; Taha Kemara con pen). HT: 14-3

Yellow cards: Melani Nanai Vai (Bay of Plenty) 2’, Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato) 65’

The Bay of Plenty Steamers team running out onto the field at Tauranga Domain on Saturday. Photo; Bay of Plenty Rugby.

Paul Cully/Stuff