Mako edge Auckland in thriller

In a rematch of the 2020 final which saw Tasman prevail in a dramatic fashion, the defending champions again went over their big city foes, claiming a tense 16-11 Bunnings NPC win at Trafalgar Park today.

With its last loss in Nelson coming way back in 2018, Trafalgar has become a fortress for Tasman and the streak continues though they were made to work it.

Skipper Harry Plummer, coming off a 21-point haul last weekend, opened the scoring with a regulation shot at goal.

All the early momentum was with the Aucklanders as it took 24 minutes for the Mako to put points on the board as Mitch Hunt responded with a penalty of his own from 40 out.

The Mako butchered its first try opportunity soon after as Tom Marshall lost his footing with an open line in front of him.

Plummer pushed Auckland three ahead with his second penalty and moments after managed a 50/22 kick to set his side back on attack.

Last year’s top try scorer Salesi Rayasi made the most of the bonus territory, carrying three players over the chalk to score the first try of the game.

Hunt managed three more on the stroke of halftime to send his side to the sheds trailing 11-6.

Co-captain Quin Strange replaced Antonio Shalfoon to start the second, while Hunt missed his first shot at goal of the season.

Hunt had another shot minutes later from a similar position but again pushed it wide.

More points went begging for Tasman with Mark Talea putting down an easy pass with the line wide open.

Hunt ensured Tasman left with at least three points to reduce the margin to two as the Mako brought on Jacob Norris, Atu Moli, Levi Aumua and Ryan Coxon for the final quarter.

The physicality was beginning to take its toll with a number of bodies strewn across the park.

Fetuli Paea was forced from the field with injury, replaced by excitement machine Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Disaster struck for Auckland in the 67th minute, Rayasi failing to control an awkward kick from Hunt at the back, handing the Mako a golden opportunity to go ahead for the first time with a five-metre scrum.

The hosts took full advantage as Shannon Frizell burst off the back and hit Leicester Fainga’anuku running a perfect line to go in for Tasman’s first try.

With time ticking away, Hunt attempted to clear only for his kick to roll dead handing Auckland a midfield scrum in the 22.

The penalties kept mounting against Tasman with Pari Pari Parkinson sent to the bin with time up on the clock.

It took a relentless effort from Tasman on defence to hold Auckland out, replacement prop Ryan Coxon eventually earning the penalty which secured the second win of the season for the Mako.

Scorers:

Mako 16 (Fainga’anuku, try, 1 con, Hunt 3 pens) Auckland 11 (Rayasi try, Plummer 2 pens)