Photo / Richard Spranger

The PIC Steelers have suffered a 25-14 defeat at the hands of Taranaki in their Bunnings Warehouse NPC game in New Plymouth on Wednesday night.

Reeling from a number of injury concerns and the difficulties of dealing with a short turn-around in their storm week, Reon Graham’s side weren’t able to find their best form.

The fell behind 10-0 and never really got themselves back into the contest.

The visitors played better in the second half but really struggled at set piece and were unable to capitalise on their attacking opportunities.

It is the side’s fifth loss of the season and means they will need to win their two remaining games against Southland in Invercargill on Sunday and against Wellington back home at Navigation Homes Stadium next week to have any chance of making the quarter-finals.