Second half blitz gets Mako men home, women go close

The Tasman Mako shook off a lack-lustre first half effort to score an emphatic 48-3 win over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe on Saturday afternoon and maintain their winning opening to the Bunnings NPC.

Although the Mako looked much the better side in the first 40, 10 handling errors meant they could not capitalise on a wealth of position and possession and they managed to forge just a 10-3 lead.

They scored one try, a brilliant individual effort from winger Timoci Tavatavanawai who leapt high to grab a Counties cross kick. Willie Havili, who continues to impress with the boot, converted and landed a long-range penalty on the stroke of halftime to ensure Tasman took a lead, albeit slim, into the sheds.

Whatever was said over oranges obviously sunk in as the visitors came out with purpose and much safer hands.

Withing six minutes they had added two converted tries, both scored by veteran hooker Quinten MacDonald off the back of well-executed lineout drives.

A few minutes later they had their bonus point try, a Macca Springer break setting up centre Levi Aumua for five-pointer. Again, Havili converted and suddenly the visitors, who had looked so shaky in the first half, were out to a 31-3 lead.

As the rain fell at the northern venue, Tasman went to work. Skipper Quinten Strange dotted down at the end of 20-phases, Springer scored after a lovely break from Kyren Taumoefolau, then Taumoefolau bagged the final touchdown, replacement winger Jack Gray creating the chance for his fellow winger.

With so many changes to the side from the previous week it was probably no surprise that Tasman struggled for continuity and attacking accuracy early on, but they more than made up for that with a scintillating second half effort.

Leading the way up front were Strange, MacDonald, loosies Fletcher Anderson and Braden Stewart, debut prop Quinn Harrison-Jones, the returning Antonio Shalfoon and Ryan Coxon.

Louie Chapman followed the game plan well at halfback, Havili again looking confident and skilful, while outside backs Taumoefolau, Tavatavanawai and Springer were dangerous throughout.

The Mako coaches will also be happy with the fact they denied the home side a try, their scrambling and personal defence suggesting a side playing with passion, confidence and belief.

Harrison-Jones, plus replacement prop Sione Mafi and halfback Mason Lund made their Mako NPC debuts today.

Next up is a home game, the Mako men hosting Bay of Plenty at Lansdowne Park on Saturday, with a 7-05 kick-off.

Scores: Tasman 48 (Timoci Tavatavanawai, Quentin MacDonald 2, Levi Aumua, Quinten Strange, Macca Springer, Kyren Taumoefolau tries, Willie Havili pen, 4 con, Campbell Parata con) Counties Manukau 3 (AJ Alatimu pen). HT: 10-3.

Mako Women go close

Meanwhile, the Tasman Mako women came agonisingly close to their first win in the Farah Palmer Cup championship, going down 34-27 to Otago Spirit under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin today.

The Mako, who had failed to impress in their first couple of outings, took some time to find their feet during a scrappy first 20 minutes, the home side moving out to a 5-0 lead.

However, they eventually discovered their attacking rhythm, a brace of tries to lively winger Michelle Curry midway through the half saw them move out to a 12-5 lead.

In a match dominated by the referee’s whistle, discipline was the key and Otago benefitted late in the half, two penalties closing the gap to 12-11 at the break.

The second half was a see-sawing affair. Both sides held onto the ball and built phases. Otago moved out to a 16-12 lead, but the visitors quickly replied to take a 22-16 advantage. Two tries to Otago saw them go ahead 29-22 with nine minutes to play but the never-say-die attitude of the Mako saw them grab a fourth try and set up a thrilling final five minutes.

To their credit, the home side kept attacking and were rewarded with a late touchdown which sealed the deal.

Tasman can take plenty from this effort. They picked up two points from a match they could well have won, showing plenty of spirit, organisation and strikepower.

Leading the way were loosies Sui Pauaraisa, Fiaali’i Solomona, hooker Jett Hayward, halfback Lucy Jones, midfielder Lesieli Taufa, Curry and fullback Sarah Jones.

The Mako reconvene at Lansdowne Park at 4.35pm on Saturday, taking on the unbeaten Manawatu side, a tall order but, on the strength of today’s effort, they can be counted on to give a good account of themselves.

Otago 34 (Jamie Church 2, Te Atawhai Campbell, Charlotte Vaafusuaga, Sheree Hume tries, Georgia Cormick 3 pen) Tasman 27 (Michelle Curry 2 tries, Jett Hayward, Iva Sauira tries, Ashleigh Wood con, pen, Sarah Jones con). HT: 12-11 Mako.