Canterbury too good for Mako

By Peter Jones [Marlborough App]

Tasman slumped to their third consecutive Bunnings NPC loss at Lansdowne Park tonight, comprehensively outplayed 52-20 by a slick Canterbury combination.

The writing was on the wall at halftime, with the visitors ahead 24-3, and they continued their onslaught in the second 45 minutes, the Red and Blacks making quick amends for a shock loss to Taranaki last weekend.  Tasman bagged three consolation tries, but were well short of the mark against a ruthless rival.

After an early exchange of penalties by first fives Campbell Parata and Fergus Burke, Canterbury quickly asserted control.

Relentless ball maintenance and patterned attack saw the visitors cross the line twice within two minutes, Tasman unable to withstand a steady stream of attack. Light-footed winger Manasa Mataele scored the first in the 14th minute, quickly followed by a five-pointer to hard-working lock Sam Darry. Both were converted by Burke.

The Mako, stung by the double blow, roared back, a long period of goal line pressure, hindered by slow ball at the breakdown, ending with a try in the left corner to winger Macca Springer.

Canterbury’s response was swift, lock Dominic Gardiner scoring immediately after a succession of rapid phases, Burke again doing the honours from the kicking tee to give his side a well-deserved 24-8 lead which they took into the sheds at halftime.

Scrum pressure five minutes into the second spell brought Canterbury their fourth and bonus point try, Burke slicing through following a scrum penalty and efficient lineout drive to score, then converting his own try to give Canterbury an unassailable 31-8 lead.

The visitors widened the margin soon after with another simple try, Mataele kicking ahead on the right flank and midfielder Rameka Poihipi winning the race to the touchdown. Burke again converted.

Next on the board was Canterbury skipper Billy Harmon, the loosie bursting through some flimsy defence. Burke’s conversion made the score 45-8 and the half century loomed large.

However the Mako were not finished, Springer bagging a second try when he outsprinted George Bridge to dive onto the ball in the Canterbury in-goal area. Willie Havili’s conversion brought up double points for the home side.

Again Canterbury replied quickly, prop Tamaiti Williams barging over, Burke’s conversion taking the visitors past the 50 mark.

Unfittingly, it was the home side who had the final say, Havili dotting down on the blind side, bringing an end to what turned into something of a rugby lesson for the Mako.

Canterbury 52 (Manasa Mataele, Sam Darry, Dominic Gardiner, Rameka Poihipi, Fergus Burke, Billy Harmon, Tamaiti Williams tries, Burke 7 con, pen) def Tasman 20 (Macca Springer 2 tries, Willie Havili try, con, Campbell Parata pen). HT: 24-8

Next week Tasman travel to Palmerston North to play Manawatu, again on Friday evening.