Canterbury remain top of the ITM Cup premiership standings despite just failing to complete a remarkable comeback against Bay of Plenty.
Down 29-3 at half time in Mt Maunganui, Canterbury closed within a point with a few minutes to play before being beaten 35-31.
The Steamers' first-five Chris Noakes kicked his sixth penalty goal to finish with 25 points after converting both of their tries.
Canterbury picked up 2 bonus points.
Waikato reignited their finals hopes with a 31-27 victory over Wellington in Hamilton.
So Canterbury have 29 points, Waikato 28, Bay of Plenty 26 and Auckland 25.