The Tasman Mako have created a bit of history, defending the Ranfurly Shield for the first time after beating Wellington 28-15 in Blenheim.
Both sides were unbeaten in the NPC prior to the match but the Shield was the real prize.
LATEST HEADLINES:
Tasman opened the scoring with a try from wing Timoci Tavatavanawai down the right hand side of the field.
Campbell Parata later stretched the lead to 8-nil with a penalty kick before Wellington fullback Ruben Love was held up over the line late in the half
Wellington finally got on the scoreboard when Jackson Garden-Bachop scored a penalty before the main break but Tasman led 8-3 at half-time.
Tjay Clarke scored Wellington's first try after a Proctor break and pass, which was then converted and the visitors trailed by just one.
Discarded All Black Finlay Christie then took charge as he scored the home sides second try and controlled his side in an forceful way.
Riley Higgin's then replied with Wellington's second try and again the visitors were behind by just one point into the later stages of the game.
Former Marlborough Boys High student Kyren Taumoefolau then scored for Tasman pushing the lead out to 23-15 with eight minutes remaining.
Wing Nic Sauira then finished the match with a try to take the scoreline to 28-15 and send Wellington home without the Shield.
Wellington still sit at the top of the NPC table, but Tasman have a game in hand.
in other matches Auckland and Counties Manukau both scored their second wins of the season.
Auckland accounted for Northland 24-17 in Whangarei while Counties were 45-17 winners over Otago at Pukekohe.
Comments