Upset victory a great start [Nelson Mail]

Goodbye Canterbury, hello Taranaki and a crack at the Ranfurly Shield.

The Tasman Makos got their national provincial championship rugby season off to a perfect start last night when a last-gasp try sealed an upset 25-22 win over Canterbury.

The Makos were buoyed by a nearly 6000-strong crowd at Trafalgar Park, including their newest support group - the Wakatu Hotel Hammerheads.

Tasman Rugby Union marketing manager Les Edwards, who was watching a replay of the game this morning and revelling in the win, said the Hammerheads were a welcome addition to the stands. They consisted of about 20 fans dressed in red and blue overalls, with blow-up ITM Cup hammers stuck to construction hats on their heads.

“We're more than happy to have the Hammerheads supporting us. The more noise at the park, the better for our team - they love the home ground advantage.”

Mr Edwards said the rest of the crowd were also well-behaved and vocal, including the Richmond Mall Noise Crew, made up of 35 pupils from Waimea Intermediate School who had free tickets to the game. “The players were just so pleased. They were as proud as punch. What a great start to the season."

Mr Edwards said Tasman had probably “lost any element of surprise” heading into its Ranfurly Shield challenge against Taranaki in New Plymouth next Saturday.

“We're playing well. It's a good team - very well coached, and a good blend of experienced and talented players. I'm sure Taranaki won't take us lightly."

Tasman skipper and second five-eighth Andrew Goodman said he was absolutely delighted with his team's performance. Substitute centre Kieron Fonotia sealed the win at the end of the game, capitalising on a charged-down kick to score between the posts.

Goodman said it was an awesome game, especially “to finish it off like that”.

“I think a Makos team in previous years might not have been able to get that try, but it shows how far this team's come over the last year. Last year we would have lost that game.

"I'm really proud of the boys - they just stuck at it."

He hoped that his players could carry that momentum through to the shield challenge.

"There's been a buzz of excitement for a little while now, especially with everything that's happening next week. So the boys have been really amped up for the start of this season. It's a great start against Canterbury and then a [Ranfurly] Shield challenge next week, so it doesn't get much better than that."