Heartbreak for Waikato again, as a late penalty for the Tasman Mako saw them snatch away a late 27-25 victory at FMG Stadium Waikato in round 7 of the Bunnings NPC.

The home team were on the scoreboard within the first minute. After a scrum 40 metres out, Bailyn Sullivan was able to bust through the defensive line, taking the ball into Tasman’s 22. He then found Xavier Roe in support and Roe was tackled just before the line but he was able to offload to Quinn Tupaea to fall over the line to score. D’Angelo Leuila added the extras and Waikato led 7-0 after 2 minutes.

Waikato extended their lead to 12 points at the 15 minutes mark, when Leuila was able to use his power and strength to cross for Waikato’s second try. Unfortunately he was unable to convert his own try.

The next lot of points would come after the 30 minute mark and they would be the first points for the visitors. Ryan Coxon with a pick and go close to the line, he would power his way over to score. William Havili added the extras and Waikato’s lead was reduced to 5 points.

With 3 minutes remaining in the half, Waikato gave away a penalty in a kickable position and Havili was successful with the shot at goal. Waikato would go into the break with a 12-10 lead.

Early in the second half, Waikato were awarded a long range penalty for a Tasman player not rolling away. Leuila stepped up and converted the 47 metre penalty shot to extend the Mooloo’s lead to 5 points after 5 minutes.

Laghlan McWhannell try helped to extend the home team's advantage again. Roe with a dummy, drew in the defenders to allow a pop pass to Gideon Wrampling to get in behind the defensive line. He would then offload to McWhannell in support to score next to the posts. Aaron Cruden added the extras and Waikato led 22-10 after 55 minutes.

However in a 10 minute period between 64-74 minutes Tasman were able to comeback and take the lead with two converted tries, the first by Samiuela Moli and the second by Tim Sail. Both tries were converted by Havilii to take a 24-22 lead.

Cruden put Waikato back in front with 4 minutes remaining with a successful long range 49 metre penalty.

But after the hooter Tasman were awarded a penalty for Waikato being offside and Havili was successful with their penalty shot to break the hearts of the home fans, as Tasman completed the comeback to win 27-25.      

Waikato 25 (Quinn Tupaea, D’Angelo Leuila, Laghlan McWhannell tries; D’Angelo Leuila 1 conversions, 1 penalty, Aaron Cruden 1 conversion, 1 penalty) 

Tasman 27 (Ryan Coxon, Samiuela Moli, Tim Sail tries; William Havili 3 conversions, 2 penalties)   

HT: 12-10

Article added: Monday 23 September 2024