Tasman Mako win Ranfurly Shield for first time with late penalty
Replacement first-five Campbell Parata has drilled a 47 metre penalty with time up on the clock to lift the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in the history of the Tasman Mako.
Tasman remain unbeaten in NPC 2024 thanks to the dramatic 25-24 victory at McLean Park in Napier but Saturday night’s victory was all about the iconic ‘Log o’ Wood’.
Holders Hawke’s Bay had seemingly done enough when Mat Protheroe scored to tie the scores with less than four minutes to play, with a draw all that was needed to retain the Ranfurly Shield for the holders.
As it happened, Danny Toala nailed the sideline conversion to put Hawke’s Bay in front 24-22.
With the home crowd behind them, Hawke’s Bay were controlling the ball with less than 20 seconds to play, when Mako winger Timoci Tavatavanawai won a penalty at the breakdown.
With William Havili having recently left the field, his replacement, Parata, confidentiality nodded and pointed towards the posts to convince his captain Quinten Strange to take the shot.
From near in front, Parata nailed the long range attempt to break the hearts of Hawke’s Bay and deliver the Ranfurly Shield to Tasman for the first time in the combined union’s history.
It was just Tasman’s fifth Shield challenge since the Nelson and Marlborough provinces combined back in 2006.
Catch up on all the action in the live blog below.
Source: Stuff, Stuff sports reporters, September 07, 2024 • 08:55pm
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