Rugby: Hawke's Bay youngsters secure late win

Israel Dagg made the incisive break which led to Zac Guilford's match winning try. Photo / Getty Images

A perfectly executed try from winger Zac Guildford clinched a narrow 28-26 win for Hawke's Bay in their Air NZ Cup rugby match against Tasman in Napier.

Guildford crossed with barely three minutes left on the clock, just as Tasman looked like holding on for a win after leading 17-16 at halftime.

Fullback Israel Dagg sliced through the midfield from fullback, offloading a perfectly-timed pass to Guildford, who showed speed to burn as he zeroed in on the corner flag to score.

Andrew Horrell's conversion missed, but it didn't matter as Hawke's Bay maintained possession to hold on for the win.

Both teams featured pinpoint place kicking, Matt Berquist gifting Hawke's Bay the early lead with a 40m penalty. Tasman's Andrew Goodman responded to level the scores with 6min gone.

Some excellent work at the breakdown, with prop Ben Franks particularly prominent, and good support play paid dividends for Tasman after 12 minutes.

The southerners showed patience in recycling the ball through nine phases of play before a wrap-round from five metres out found rampaging No 8 Mark Bright, who powered over for the try.

Goodman added the extras, and although Berquist narrowed the margin with another well-struck penalty, Tasman continued to dominate possession and territory.

And when Hawke's Bay finally did get their hands on some ball, an ill-judged attempt to move it wide from deep in Tasman territory went horribly awry.

Bay centre Sam Giddens gave his pass a little too much air, Tasman wing James Kamana pounced and sprinted 40 metres for the try, duly converted by the ever-reliable Goodman.

However, Hawke's Bay continued to work their way back into the game, two superb scrums paving the way for a penalty try after 30 minutes.

Referee Mike Fraser ruled George Naoupu was held up over the line from the first, but then adjudged Tasman had collapsed the following scrum as the Bay pack drove for the line.

Berquist converted, and then added another penalty just two minutes from the break.

Three minutes into the second spell, the home team hit the front following a strong run from Guildford.

Support was on hand when the Tasman defence stopped him 5m short, the ball was recycled quickly and moved wide for captain Jason Shoemark to score in the corner.

Berquist continued his unblemished record with the boot, and Hawke's Bay hit the front 23-17.

However, three more Goodman penalties eased Tasman back in front 26-23 with 18 minutes to go, a lead they held until Dagg and Guildford combined with devastating effect.

- NZPA