Tasman secured a top-four finish in the ITM Cup by coming from behind to defeat Otago 32-24 on Sunday.The Makos, who were promoted from the ITM Cup Championship last year, scored 18 points without reply in the final 23 minutes to earn a hard-fought victory in Nelson. Otago struck first through a penalty from Hayden Parker, who had earlier hit a post, before Tasman centre Kieron Fonotia went over for the games opening try on the half-hour mark. That sparked a flurry of action either side of half-time, with Jayden Spence and Hugh Blake each crossing for the visitors either side of a David Kaetau Havili try for Tasman. A third Otago try, from replacement hooker Sam Anderson-Heather, was converted by Parker in the 55th minute to leave Tasman trailing 24-14. However, a penalty from Marty Banks soon reduced the deficit and Otago had no answer as Jimmy Cowan and Ross Geldenhuys claimed late scores to turn the tide. Banks added another penalty at the death to round off a fine victory for Tasman, who now sit level on points with leaders Taranaki and are the first promoted side to secure a Premiership semi-final berth. Canterbury were left to rue a late penalty miss from Richie Mounga as they slipped to third with a 28-26 defeat to Southland, their second defeat in the space of five days. A penalty from Lima Sopoaga gave Southland a shock two-point advantage in Christchurch with two minutes remaining. Mounga, who had boasted a 100 per cent kicking record this season, was then given the opportunity to break the visitors hearts, but pulled his last-gasp kick left of the posts. Dan Carter returned from injury to make a rare ITM Cup outing for Canterbury, kicking a conversion and three penalties before being withdrawn at half-time.
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:00:02 +0000
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