Home victory for Mako women in FPC

By Jack Malcolm [Nelson Weekly]

The Tasman Mako FPC team have broken their winless drought with a 27-17 win over the Taranaki Whio.

In front of their home fans, the Mako started slowly after scoring first from the tee through first five-eighth Cassie Siataga.

They would then be forced to defend their goal line for the next 15 minutes as Taranaki pounded against the defence.

Big Tasman props Shayla Tuitupou and Tita Lupeituu highlighted the hard and spirited defence, with some big shots in mid-field and powerful running.

The pair were also crucial in the Mako’s dominance at scrum time, which only became more pronounced as the game wore on.

The Taranaki Whio were determined on the attack and would be rewarded with a try to  winger Danika Northcott-Weherua on the counterattack after the Mako were unable to find touch with their clearance.

They would increase their lead to nine on the back of a charge down as fullback Bethan Masters looked to find touch, having been put on the back foot covering a chip and chase.

Bethan wouldn’t take long to find her redemption, diving over to score the Mako’s first try after her team was camped in the attacking 22 with Taranaki unable to clear the ball.

Wave after wave of attack slowly wore down the defence before Bethan was able to slice through the tackle with a significant overlap to her right.

The Mako women would score on the other side of the half as well, with reserve fullback Becky Davidson scoring as Taranaki couldn’t set a defensive line while on the backfoot.

They would score again less than five minutes later, with a charge down getting them field position before lock Laura Bayfield sliced through the half gap to score under the posts.

A penalty from 35 metres out would see them take their lead to 15 points with just over 20 minutes to play.

Taranaki weren’t out of the game and would spend the remainder of regulation time hot on attack.

They were rewarded with a setpiece try to Sharna Tito-Green, but the Mako had worked hard to build their buffer and weren’t going to let the game slide.

Mako captain Hannah Kelly says she was lost for words and incredibly proud after getting back in the winning column again.

Despite the conditions, she says they were looking to play expansive rugby.

“We’re just lucky to have such a good ground that doesn’t turn muddy so we can use our skills.”

She says Cassie’s performance at 10 was outstanding as a lynchpin of the team.

“Emily Kelly as well. She was just awesome she came on, and she’s on debut too.”

Hannah also wanted to thank the support of the home crowd.

“We could hear them on the sidelines and it’s a big boost for us.”