Tasman Makos: News

Under 21 repulse strong challenge
24-Sep-2007

By JOHN ALEXANDER - The Marlborough Express

The Tasman Makos under 21rugby side overcame a stern challenge from the New Zealand Defence Forces side to win Friday night's Air New Zealand Cup curtain-raiser at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim 33-20.

The Defence Force side had a strong Marlborough flavour. Central lock Bruce Bromwich, Marlborough forward Andrew Mockford, former Harlequins forward Mark Chadwick and ex Marlborough Red Devils back Topi Taru were among their squad, coached by Central's Tony Katting and managed by Central's Peter Richardson.

The visitors drew first blood when lock Sonny Woodmass picked up a loose Makos pass to race away and score, fullback Jon Adams converting.

Winger Dennis Pili scored a cracking try for the young Tasman side at the end of a concerted build-up, James Marshall converting from near touch.

Pili scored again at the end of another slick move, running in a simple over-lap, Marshall converting.

When left-wing Gareth McIlroy scored another brilliantly constructed try in the 22nd minute and Marshall converted, a one-sided contest looked in prospect.

Down 7-21 at half-time, the Defence Force team regrouped and came back strongly, hooker Chadwick scoring, Adams converting. Adams narrowed the gap to 17-21 with a penalty.

Fo'ou Tiueti bullocked over and Sione Holani scored a fine try near the end to seal a deserved win for the talented home team.

Lock Ryan Shelford, prop Aifala Taelega and number eight Joe Wheeler shone in the Makos under 21 pack with Tiueti, Pili and Marshall the pick of an inventive backline.

Scorers: Tasman Makos under 21 33 (Dennis Pili 2, Fo'ou Tiueti, Gareth McIlroy, Sione Holani tries, James Marshall 4 con) NZ Defence Forces 20 (Sonny Woodmass, Mark Chadwick tries, Jon Adams 2 con, 2 pen). Half-time 21-7 Tasman Makos.