Steamers bitten by Makos in Nelson

Steamers flanker Johan Bardoul in action against the Tasman Makos in Nelson. Photo: Getty Images.

Tasman Makos held on against a fired-up Bay of Plenty Steamers side in Nelson on Friday night to take the ITM Cup crossover match by 34-13.

A niggly first half tested the patience of Tauranga referee Nick Briant, whistling his 100th first class game, but it showcased the new resolve evident in this year's Steamers. There was plenty to like about the resilience shown on defence, especially the loose forward trio of Zac Hohneck, Johan Bardoul and Carl Axtens, and the second half resurgence that gave Tasman a real fright.

Certainly there has been enough shown in the opening two games by the Steamers to think they could be a real chance of making the Championship play-offs. Avoiding silly errors and more accuracy in the lineouts would help.

Home form will be the key with Southland at ASB Baypark on Wednesday, followed by Waikato at Tauranga Domain on Sunday, two must-win games to come next week.

Tasman scored first through No 8 Liam Squire, after 13 phases of accurate attack, which Marty Banks converted.

From the kick-off, first-five Nick Evemy made a sharp break to put the Steamers on attack. Tasman prop Ross Geldenhuys stomped on halfback Jono Kitto in a cynical attack that probably deserved more than the yellow card he was given. Evemy slotted the penalty to close the gap to 7-3.

But the Steamers did not make the one-man advantage pay on the scoreboard and restored to 15 players, Tasman laid siege in the Steamers 22. But the Steamers survived with some great defence led by Bardoul and cleared the danger.

Just before the break Tasman finally made their territorial dominance pay when winger Mitchell Scott skipped past Leroy van Dam to score in the corner. Banks converted from touch for a 14-3 lead at the break.

Tasman kicked a penalty in the opening minute of the second spell before the Steamers scored one of the best team tries of the season so far finished off by Hohneck. 17-10.
The Bay hoed into their work and enjoyed some good spells on attack. Banks kicked a penalty for a 10 point gap but Evemy missed from a handy angle after a later tackle on Steamers replacement winger Whaimotu Craft-Chemis.

A minute later Chase Tiatia made a slashing break but his pass infield was spilled by Ziggy Fisi'ihoi with the line open as the Steamers put real pressure on the Makos.

Dan Hollinshead replaced Evemy and kicked a penalty to reduce the gap to seven with 15 minutes to play, before Kieron Fonotia crossed for a try for Tasman to essentially end the contest.

Tiatia had a late chance to grab a bonus point for the Steamers but lost the ball in a heavy tackle. Peter Samu scored right on fulltime to give Tasman a bonus point.

Tasman 34 (Liam Squire, Mitchell Scott, Kieron Fonotia, Peter Samu tries; Marty Banks 4 cons, 2 pen)
Bay of Plenty 13 (Zac Hohneck try; Nick Evemy con, pen; Dan Hollinshead pen)