Tasman maintain unbeaten run against North Harbour
Tasman's only win in six previous encounters against Harbour had come in Albany in 2010. But that changed dramatically in Nelson on Wednesday as the home team eventually ran in six tries to two.
The pressure had been intense on Harbour's line during the opening 13 minutes, Tasman players twice held up on the line before halfback Jimmy Cowan finally cantered over from an attacking 5m scrum for a deserved 7-0 lead.
Tasman doubled their lead just six minutes later when Lolohea crashed over in the corner for his first try in a Makos jersey. But a penalty to No 10 Daniel Halangahu and a sustained period of pressure eventually provided the opportunity for winger Nafi Tuitavake to bust the defence out wide after 15 phases and reduce the margin to 14-10 after 27 minutes.
A second penalty success to Halangahu just three minutes before the break suddenly saw Tasman's lead reduced to just one point as Harbour's increasing intensity and scrum pressure were rewarded, Tasman leading just 14-13 at halftime.
Lolohea again had the home crowd on their feet just moments after the restart when he was given space out wide, beating two defenders in a 50 sprint to the line for his second try and a 19-13 lead.
Tasman centre Kieron Fonotia looked set to celebrate his 50th game for the province in style when he crashed across shortly afterwards, only to have it disallowed for obstruction. However, reserve first five-eighth Marty Banks atoned minutes later when he sprinted clear down the left hand touch and beat the defence for a superb 60m bonus-point try in the corner and a 24-13 lead.
Lolohea had his third with an excellent read in defence, trapping his opposite Tevita Li on the line, stealing the ball and scoring Tasman's fifth. Fellow winger Mitchell Scott added a sixth soon after as Tasman began to run away with the contest.
A late try to second five-eighth Michael Little enabled Harbour to reduce to margin to 36-20, but it was little consolation against the premiership leaders, Banks adding a late penalty to seal victory.
