Tasman 21
Hawke's Bay 7
Tasman's Marshall brothers James and Tom sparked an unlikely win over Hawke's Bay in a national provincial championship rugby match at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim last night.
The teams were level 7-7 at the break, but Tasman made the most of their chances in the second spell, while basic handling and ball retention errors meant Hawke's Bay struggled to threaten.
Both teams made the most of their briefly returning All Blacks - Israel Dagg and Zac Guildford running strongly for Hawke's Bay, and prop Ben Franks strengthening an already solid Tasman scrum.
Hawke's Bay did, however, sorely miss flanker Karl Lowe, who was ruled out at late notice with a hamstring injury.
The Marshall brothers, James at first-five eighths and Tom at second five, picked up a try apiece to see Tasman home for their first win of the season after opening losses to Wellington and Canterbury.
Hawke's Bay battled right to the final whistle, but an inspired Tasman defence held strong.
The loss leaves Hawke's Bay without a win after an opening draw with Canterbury and an 30-11 loss to Bay of Plenty last week.
- NZPA
