A last minute try following a turnover robbed the Bay of Plenty Steamers of a preseason win against Manawatu in Whakatane yesterday.

The Steamers, without a number of key players, looked good in patches but struggled at times against a committed Manawatu defence, losing 24-22.

Kalem Chan Boon crossed for the first of the Steamers' three tries.

Winning the match was not the number one priority for the side – as evidenced by the team running the ball under their own sticks with a five point lead with minutes to play – with the coaching staff instead using the fixture to evaluate players and combinations.

Carl Axtens played one of his best games in a Steamers jersey, as did Tim Bond, who was typically abrasive in the tackle and at the breakdown.

Elliot Hagen, who was signed by the province last week to strengthen the stocks in the outside backs, was sharp at fullback on debut.

The Steamers now turn their attention to their final hit-out against North Harbour next Monday ahead of their opening match against Otago in Dunedin on August 18.

Manawatu 24 (Hamish Gosling, George Nate, Ma'afu Fia tries; Jade Te Ruru 2 cons, pen; Nate con)

Bay of Plenty 22 (Kalem Chan Boon, Josh Sole, Kane Hames tries; Willie Ripia 2 cons, pen).

Sam Beard proved a handful in the midfield for the Steamers.