Mako men open with big win

The Tasman Mako have opened their Bunnings NPC campaign in style, racing to an emphatic 54-21 bonus point win over Manawatu in Palmerston North today.

A scintillating period of attack in the first quarter at the Central Energy Trust Arena set up the victory and, although the home side pierced the Mako defence at times, scoring three tries, this was a morale-boosting effort for Tasman.

The Mako began the match with intent and execution, dominating possession and providing clinical finishes to the many chances that came their way.

Doubles to lively loosie Max Hicks and his Central club-mate Timoci Tavatavanawai allowed the Mako to register a four-try bonus point after just 20 minutes. Then halfback Finlay Christie, unwanted by the All Blacks selectors, scooted over for their fifth four minutes later as the men in red produced a compelling opening to their campaign.

To their credit a shell-shocked home side re-grouped before the halftime break, former All Black Brett Cameron converting his own try to give the Turbos some late hope and bring the halftime score to 35-7.

Manawatu began the second spell with vigour and, although the visitors scored the first try of the spell, through rampaging midfield replacement Levi Aumua, the home side bagged a couple of their own to provide the Mako defensive coach with some homework this week.

Fittingly, the dependable Sione Havili Talitui and winger Jack Gray crossed the line in the late stages to put an exclamation mark on a match where the Mako attacking unit flexed their considerable muscle.

Although Tavatavanawai, Willie Havili, Gray, Aumua, Hicks, Kershawl Skyes-Martin, Fletcher Anderson and Sam Moli impressed for Tasman there was no denying the influence returning All Blacks David Havili and Christie had on the speed and direction of attack. Skipper Quentin Strange, who led by example all afternoon, was happy with the effort.

“I thought we came out of the blocks pretty well,” he said.

“Playing into a bit of a wind we just played our game … then there were moments in that second half where we let them back in so those things we have to tidy up.

“I’m stoked that the boys absorbed most of [Manawatu’s] pressure, we still scored a few tries in the second half and put them away.”

Tasman’s next match is against Canterbury at Trafalgar Park, kick off 2.05pm on Saturday.

Scores: Tasman 54 (Max Hicks 2, Timoci Tavatavanawai 2, Finlay Christie, Jack Gray, Levi Aumua, Sione Havili Talitui tries, William Havili 6 con, Campbell Parata con) Manawatu 21 (Brett Cameron, James Tofa, TK Howden tries, Cameron 3 con). HT: 35-7.

Meanwhile, on Saturday the Tasman Mako women opened their Farah Palmer Cup championship campaign with a 51-12 loss to Wellington, at Jerry Collins Stadium Porirua.

The Wellington Pride led 22-12 at the break and continued with more of the same in the second spell as Tasman battled to match their powerful forward display and clinical finishing.

Tasman scored tries to halfback Lucy Brown and prop Avau Valentina Filimaua, Sarah Jones landing a conversion.

Next weekend Tasman play North Harbour away, kick off 12.05pm on Sunday.