Mako finally get job done against Taniwha
Mako finally get job done against Taniwha
By Jonty Dine [Nelson Weekly]
It was ugly at times but the scoreboard was pretty reading for Mako fans as their side remain unbeaten with a ninth win in Nelson this afternoon.
With a guaranteed home semi final, the Mako opted to give some of its wider squad members a run and they made the most of their chance running in eight tries in a 52-6 rout of Northland at Trafalgar Park.
Impressive performances from the likes of Fetuli Paea, Jamie Spowart and Te Ahiwaru Crikidaveta illustrated the depth the premiership table toppers possess.
The Mako butchered two tries in the opening five minutes and allowed Northland to draw first blood after 15 as Fetuli Paea knocked on with the line open in front of him and Liam Squire was bundled into touch as he attempted to score.
Tasman finally crossed the chalk through Te Ahiwharu Crikidaveta and its powerful rolling maul but Jack Debreczeni kept his side in front with two quality penalty goals.
It wouldn't last however as the Mako took the lead with a scorching second try, Mitch Hunt breaking through and linking with Will Jordan who was far too quick for the cover.
The hosts put the early errors to bed and followed up with a third soon after, again on the back clinical lineout drive with Sione Havili the beneficiary.
Tasman’s backs began to cut their opponents apart with a bonus point right after half time as Jamie Spowart waltzed over after Alex Nankivell split the midfield defence.
The Mako were getting full value from its bench with Pari Pari Parkinson, Levi Aumua and Wyatt Crockett all making early impacts.
Jordan's second try set the crowd alight after he swooped on a loose ball and sped 90 meters to score under the sticks.
It was a more subdued sixth for the Mako as Wyatt Crockett rumbled his way over to pile on the points.
They wern't done yet as Tim O'Malley sold a dummy which was bought by the whole park and he strolled over for a seventh.
The fifty was brought up from the restart on the back of a blocvkbsuting break from Parkinson and Taina Fox-Matamua went in to seal a dominant Mako performance.
Scorers:
Tasman 52 (Te Ahiwaru Crikidaveta, Will Jordan 2, Sione Havili, Jamie Spowart, Wyatt Crockett, Tim O'Malley tries, Mitch Hunt 6 cons) defeated Northland 6 (Jack Debreczeni 2 pens). HT: 19-6
