The Tasman women’s rugby side showed plenty of enthusiasm, skill and endeavour, but ultimately had to bow 36-22 to the Hawke’s Bay Tui at Lansdowne Park this afternoon.
Both teams lost their first games in the Farah Palmer Cup championship, Tasman going down to Northland and Hawke’s Bay beaten by North Harbour, so were keen to get their campaign underway today.
At halftime things looked good for the home side, who led the Tui 15-14.
Tasman deserved their narrow advantage, albeit earned with the benefit of a steady breeze at their backs. They used the ball well, spreading their attack quickly and efficiently, using the pace of wingers Kim Lammers, Iva Sauira and centre Chloe Dixon to make ground out wide. Pocket rocket flanker Leah Miles and fellow flanker Jordan Collins were impressive up front for the Mako, who adopted a brave attacking mindset, resulting in first half tries to Lammers and skipper Stephani Mitchell, plus a penalty and conversion to influential first five Lucy Hall.
However, the Tui looked menacing whenever they were able to string periods of possession together, testing the Mako defence both in close and on the edges. Hawke’s Bay also dotted down twice in the first half, through winger Maleta Paileta and lock Talaivosa Lolohea, both converted by Leilani Hakiwai.
It took only a few minutes of the second spell for the Tui to regain the lead, flanker Kate Donald dotting down.
Tasman replied almost immediately through a superb individual effort from the speedy Lammers, Hall’s conversion pushing them in front 22-19.
However, from that stage the Tui took control, scoring three tries, one converted, to forge an unassailable lead and bank five precious points.
The Mako come away pointless, scant reward for a side who never stopped trying, tackled relentlessly and played a huge part in a highly-entertaining clash.
Next Friday they play Otago in Dunedin.
