Mako men back with a vengeance

The Tasman men’s side, embarrassed by their heavy opening week defeat, returned to winning ways in front of their home fans with a comprehensive 49-17 victory over Manawatū today.

The Mako scored seven converted tries at Trafalgar Park, ruling the opening half and the latter part of the second to get their NPC campaign firmly back on track.

Tasman, clearly stung into action by last week’s 37-7 reversal in Tauranga, totally dominated the first 40 minutes, playing fast-paced accurate rugby.

The Turbos had no answer to the Red and Blue onslaught, Tasman running in four converted tries while their opponents conceded a string of penalties and had no luck, the bounce of the ball going Tasman’s way on several occasions.

The Mako, who had struggled to convert quality field position and possession in their first match, were much more clinical this time around.

After eight minutes hooker Eli Oudenryn, quickly on his way to becoming a crowd favourite, scored from a lineout drive.

Midway through the half a debut try for the Mako from lock Lopeti Faifua was followed by a Leicester Fainga’anuku double, the big winger rapidly reminding local fans of his power and finishing abilities.

With Wiliam Havili’s boot on song the home side were able to take a 28-0 scoreline into the sheds at halftime, and had a bonus point in the bank already.

The only down side was the sight of skipper David Hasvili leaving the field just before oranges with illness, to be replaced by Kyren Taumoefolau.

Manawatū, who opened their campaign with victory over North Harbour last week, regained some composure in the middle stages of the second 40, scoring three tries to close the gap to 18 points at one stage but tries to replacement flanker Tone Ng Shiu, hardworking No 8 Fletcher Anderson and William Havili ensured there were no late game wobbles for the home side.

Although their allround effort was praiseworthy, and their willingness to make amends for a sloppy start last week was obvious, Tasman will be keen to tighten up their defence and improve cohesiveness with ball in hand, while there is still plenty of work to do at lineout time.

Ethan Blackadder, Anderson and Johnny Lee formed a potent loose forward trio, Mitchell Drummond was a total professional at halfback while Levi Aumua and Fainga'anuku posed continual threats with the ball in hand.  

Senior Mako player Quinten Strange said mindset was the difference from their week one effort.

“We came back from last week a little bit embarrassed to be honest. It wasn’t up to Mako standard.

“Today we wanted to put a performance out there in front of our fans that they could be proud of.

“It was by no means a complete 80-minute performance but it is something to build on for the season,” he added.

Scores: Tasman 49 (Eli Oudenryn, Leicester Fainga’anuku 2, Lopeti Faifua, Tone Ng Shiu, Fletcher Anderson, William Havili tries, William Havili 7 con) Manawatū 17 (James Tofa, Taine Roiri, Kyle Brown tries, Brett Cameron con). HT: 28-0 Tasman