Tasman Makos won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time after a dramatic 25-24 victory over Hawke’s Bay at McLean Park in Napier.
The match was decided by a late penalty kick from Campbell Parata, who scored from 47 meters to give Tasman a one-point lead.
Tasman Makos captain Quinten Strange praised his team for holding off a strong second-half challenge from Hawke’s Bay. “We just managed to hang on,” Strange said. “I’m really proud that this group can create history.” Although Marlborough, one of Tasman’s founding unions, won the Shield in 1973, this is Tasman’s first win as a united team.
Tasman dominated the first half, leading 19-5 with two tries and nine points from first-five William Havili. Hawke’s Bay fought back in the second half, scoring three tries and taking a 24-22 lead with just two minutes remaining. However, Parata’s last-minute penalty secured the historic win for Tasman.
Hawke’s Bay, known as the Magpies, earned two bonus points for scoring four tries and losing by just one point.
