Mako win Ranfurly Shield

Since their inception in 2006, Tasman have been staring at an empty space in their trophy cabinet.

Now the wait is over, with the Ranfurly Shield coming to the nation’s newest rugby union after a pulsating 25-24 victory over Hawke’s Bay at McLean Park in Napier tonight.

With less than a minute on the clock the holders led 24-22 after a superb second half comeback then, as they endeavoured to run down the clock, one of Tasman’s most influential players, Timoci Tavatavanawai, managed to get his hands on the ball at the breakdown and secure a penalty.

Up stepped replacement first five Campbell Parata, his nerve holding as he slotted the 48m kick, sending the Mako players and support crew wild with delight as they got the job done in the union's fifth challenge.

The majority of the first half belonged to a fired-up and clinical Mako outfit.

From the kick-off  Tavatavanawai set the tone with a surging run into the heart of the home side’s defence from where Willi Havili landed his first penalty.

With their exits working well, they soon returned and, after flanker Braden Stewart had come up just short of the tryline, prop Ryan Coxon crashed over to give the Mako an 8-0 advantage after 10 minutes.

More red-shirted pressure was to come, resulting in former Mako Hugh Renton being yellow-carded after 22 minutes, Tasman taking immediate advantage when hooker Quentin MacDonald scored on the back of a well-set lineout drive.

Hawke’s Bay then enjoyed their best period of the half, flanker Sam Smith dotting down in the corner after multiple phases and penalties, closing the gap to 13-5 when Renton returned from the bin.

However, the challengers had the final say in the first half, a penalty and dropped goal to Havili stretching the lead to 19-5, nothing more than a dominant Tasman side deserved.

The second half was a different story, the home side showing more of what they had become renowned for as shield defenders.

As Tasman’s set pieces began top creak the Magpies struck with tries to Jo Apikatoa, Ben O’Donnell and Mat Protheroe, kicker Danny Toala landing two crucial conversions to set up the thrilling finale.

Scores: Tasman 25 (Ryan Coxon, Quentin MacDonald tries, Willi Havili 3 pen, dropped goal, Campbell Parata pen) Hawke’s Bay 24 (Sam Smith, Jo Apikatoa, Ben O’Donnell, Mat Protheroe tries, Danny Toala 2 con). HT: 19-5 Tasman.

Tasman will defend the shield against Wellington in Blenheim next Sunday, with a 2.05 kick-off.