Ugly Stag night in Blenheim
Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:25
Southland Stags squeezed a tryless 6-3 win over Tasman Makos on Friday in a frustrating and error-ridden Air New Zealand Cup (NZ) contest in Lansdowne Park, Blenheim.
The closest either side came to running in a try was after 65 minutes, when replacement hooker Jason Rutledge crossed the line only to be called back for a forward pass after a quick throw from a line-out.
The Stags' defence was rock solid, although Tasman dominated territory while wing Afeleki Perenise caused some problems on the break, but was unable to get sufficient support for the attacking momentum to be maintained.
Imposing centre Kade Poki struggled to find space and while right wing Blair Cook was quick to put pressure on his opposite number, Pehi Te Whare, there was little else to get excited about.
During the first half Southland No.8 Hua Tamariki came out with some surging runs in an effort to get his side on the front foot, but as both sides found, handling was difficult on the night and opportunities were lost.
Southland flyhalf Blair Stewart opened the scoring after three minutes with a 50-metre penalty goal, proving extremely valuable as the half progressed.
Southland led 3-0 at the interval, with Tasman starting strongly in the second half - although the same problems ensued.
After 51 minutes Makos flyhalf Miah Nikora kicked a penalty goal from a handy position to level the scores, but then missed two additional chances soon after.
Lock Daniel Ramsay was then sin-binned, but Tasman was unable to capitalise on one less forward in the opposition.
Disappointed after their try to Rutledge was turned down, Southland maintained composure forcing Tasman to concede what proved to be the match-winning penalty after 75 minutes.
Southland secured possession as the clock counted down to clinch their ugliest win of the season.
Scorers:
For
Southland:
Pens: Stewart 2
For Tasman:
Pen: Nikora
Teams:
Tasman Makos: 15 Robbie Malneek, 14 Blair Cook, 13 Kade Poki, 12 Joel Iggo, 11 Afeleki Pelenise, 10 Miah Nikora, 9 Lualua Vailoaloa, 8 Karl Leary, 7 Jack Lam, 6 Glen Gregory, 5 Alex Ainley, 4 Joe Wheeler, 3 Tristan Moran, 2 Quentin MacDonald, 1 Ben Franks (captain).
Replacements: 16 Daniel Perrin, 17 Sakaria Taulafo, 18 Jonathan Poff, 19 Daniel Hyatt, 20 Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 James Marshall, 22 Mike Pehi.
Southland: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Mark Wells, 13 Matt Saunders, 12 Jason Kawau, 11 Pehi Te Whare, 10 Blair Stewart, 9 Scott Cowan; 8 Hua Tamariki, 7 Dion Bates, 6 Hoani Macdonald, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Daniel Ramsay, 3 Chris King, 2 Matt Holloway, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Michael Paterson, 18 David
Hall, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Dane Shelford, 21 Willie Rickards, 22 Tane Puke.
Referee: Brent Murray
TMO: Chris Pollock
