Levi Aumua of Tasman, Tim Sail of Tasman and Lavengamonu Moli of Tasman during the Bunnings NPC Round 5 Ranfurly Shield match between Hawke's Bay and Tasman at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand on Saturday September 07, 2024. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz Photo: Aaron Gillions / Photosport
Tasman have their hands on the Ranfurly Shield for the first time after beating Hawke's Bay 25-24 in Napier at McLean Park.
A late penalty to replacement first-five Campbell Parata sealed the one-point win as he slotted the penalty from 47 metres out.
Tasman Makos captain Quinten Strange told SkySport while his side dominated the first half, they did well to repel the Hawke's Bay onslaught in the second.
"Yeah, we just managed to hang on," a relieved and ecstatic Quinten Strange said.
"I'm just really proud that this group can create history.
Tom Parsons of Hawkes Bay during the Bunnings NPC Round 5 Ranfurly Shield match between Hawke's Bay and Tasman at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand on Saturday September 07, 2024. Copyright photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz Photo: Aaron Gillions / Photosport
"I know that Marlborough has won it once in 1973, but for Tasman as a union it's pretty special.
"It's not just for this group, it's everyone who has donned the jersey before."
The Makos led 19-5 at halftime in a dominant first half with two tries and first-five William Havili adding nine points with two penalties and a drop goal.
Hawke's Bay stromed back in front of a home crowd with three tries and a stunning conversion from the sideline to take the lead, 24-22, with just two minutes to play.
But Tasman slotted their final penalty kick to snatch the memorable win.
The Magpies will pick up two bonus points after having scored four tries and losing by just one point.
