Mako rack up 52 in big win over Northland

By Jack Malcolm [Nelson App]

The Tasman Mako kept themselves in the race for a coveted Bunnings NPC quarterfinal place with a comprehensive 52-17 win over Northland at Trafalgar Park today.

The home side turned on a superb display of running rugby, using the width of the field to create space on their way to seven tries.

With the advantage of a steady sea breeze at their backs, the visitors appeared to have drawn first blood after 10 minutes, halfback Sam Nock breaking through close to the ruck and setting lock Sam Caird on his way to the tryline, however play was called back for a previous obstruction infringement.

Seven minutes later it was the Mako who were first on the board, Willie Havili creating space with an incisive run, his well-timed pass allowing powerhouse centre Levi Aumua to crash over near to the uprights. Havili’s conversion gave the Mako a handy 7-0 lead into the breeze.

A penalty in the 25th minute by Northland pivot Rivez Reihana gave the visitors their first points but 10 minutes later the home side replied with a superb set piece effort.

Havili was the recipient following good work by halfback Noah Hotham and winger Macca Springer from a scrum on the Northland 22. Taine Robinson’s conversion gave the Mako a handy 14-3 lead approaching halftime.

Two minutes before the break the home side bagged their third, and a comfortable buffer, with ever-reliable midfielder Alex Nankivell taking the final inside pass following another sweeping backline movement emanating from a scrum on the halfway line.

The home side bagged their bonus point try five minutes into the second spell, Aumua sweeping towards the posts after a 5m lineout variation and using his strength to power over. Robinson conversion allowed the Mako to enjoy a 28-3 lead.

However, the Taniwha are a resilient bunch and replied soon after, flanker Matt Matich scoring something of a soft try from a back-of-the-lineout move. Reihana’s conversion closed the gap to 18 points.

Robinson replied immediately with a penalty after an infringement from the restart, taking the heat out of the Northland resurgence, but the visitors were not done replacement Jaycob Matiu scoring from a pushover scrum. Reihana converted to close the gap again before the home side struck again.

Springer snapped up a loose pass then fed halfback Hotham who sped 25m for the try in the corner. Robinson continued his perfect form from the tee to push the Mako ahead 38-17.

They increased their lead four minutes later, quick hands giving Springer enough time and space to race over on the left.

Next to cross the line was replacement prop Ryan Coxon, scoring from the back of a driving maul to bring up the team’s half century.

Robinson’s sixth conversion pushed the final score to 52-17 and Tasman hopes remain alive.

Scorers: Tasman 52 (Levi Aumua 2, Ryan Coxon, Macca Springer, Willie Havili, Noah Hotham, Alex Nankivell tries, Willie Havili con, Taine Robinson 6 con, pen) defeated Northland 17 (Matt Matich, Jaycob Matiu tries, Rivez Reihana pen, 2 con) HT: 21-3 Mako