Saturday 25 October 2014 13:42, UK
Taranaki clinched the ITM Cup Premiership title for the first time after recording a 36-32 win against Tasman in the final on Saturday.
Wing Codey Rei made the difference with 21 points from the kicking tee, slotting over five penalties and three conversions at Yarrow Stadium.
Since the finals were introduced in 1992 no team from outside the ‘big five’ provinces had won New Zealand’s national title until Taranaki’s success.
Taranaki finished second from bottom in the league stage last season while Tasman, whichb is New Zealand’s newest union, were competing in the Premiership Division for the first time.
Taranaki led 16-10 at half-time and raced away to a 33-13 advanatge before Tasman narrowed the gap in the closing stages.
New Zealand Maori captain Charlie Ngatai scored two tries for the champions, while Rhys Marshall also crossed the whitewash.
Tasman actually scored more tires than Taranaki, with Kieron Fonotia and Pete Samu crossing the line and Billy Guyton grabbing a brace. Marty Banks kicked three conversions and two penalties.
Tasman knocked out six-time defending champions Canterbury in the semi-finals but saw their fairy-tale run come to an end against Tasman, who beat Auckland in the last four.
