Hawke's Bay march on in Championship Division
Another maximum-points victory for Hawke's Bay saw them maintain their position at the top of the ITM Cup Championship Division.
Hawke's Bay extended their lead at the top of the ITM Cup Championship Division with a 35-11 bonus-point victory at Counties Manukau on Friday.
The Ranfurly Shield holders have made a blistering start to the campaign and have now picked up maximum points from their opening three fixtures.
Hawke's Bay led 6-3 after half an hour and stepped up a gear in the final 10 minutes of the first half to give themselves a healthy cushion.
Lock Mark Abbott powered over the line on the 30-minute mark before Andrew Horrell touched down in the corner following good work from Richard Buckman – Ihaia West kicking the extras from both.
Piers Francis reduced the deficit by three with a penalty early in the second half, but Zac Guildford crossed the whitewash as Hawke's Bay opened up a 30-6 lead by the 48th minute.
Guildford twice had tries ruled out by the television match official, much to the relief of the well-beaten hosts, but the winger was lucky to escape punishment for an apparent tip tackle.
Maama Vaipulu finished off a driving maul to at least carry Counties Manukau into double figures, but Shannan Chase went over late on to clinch the bonus point.