Andrew Goodman helps Tasman down Auckland at Trafalgar Park - Rugby News
Andrew Goodman was good for Tasman and helped them grab an upset victory over Auckland by 30-28 at Trafalgar Park, Nelson on August 16. He helped his side with 20 individual points to come out of a two-match loosing streak in the ongoing ITM Cup 2011. Tasman,
which was underestimated by Auckland side proved fatal for them and competed as well the rivals throughout the game. It was the second defeat for Auckland while playing in Nelson in the current provincial championship.
Tasman was having a real bad season before this particular match as they had won just one game in the last five outgoings. Meanwhile, Auckland was in equally good nick as they had bagged four victories in their last five matches. The Aucklanders failed to
assess the strengths of Tasman and in the end paid the price.
Tasman opened the scoring account very quickly in the match as James Marshall crossed the white wash line for his side. Andrew Goodman started off his good work with the boots of a follow up conversion shot and extended the lead of Tasman to 7-0. Auckland
reduced the lead to 3-7 with the help of Piers Francis.
Auckland has taken a lead over Tasman during the first part of the match but at interval score was equalised with 17 each. Few replacements were made by the both sides after the break. Goodman again shined for Tasman after the break and scored two quick
penalties for his side. With last few minutes remaining in the match and Tasman leading with two points but Gareth Anscombe spoiled the opportunity at a do or die situation.
Mark Bright, who played his 50th domestic game, was delighted with his team’s efforts. Talking to the reporters Bright said that, “It was pretty special just to play my 50th game on Trafalgar Park, and to get that victory just made it even better.
We came off at halftime and a lot of us were blowing really hard ... but we came out in the second 40 and ground it out and got a good victory.”
He further said that, “I'm just stoked for the boys. My 50th is special, but I'm happy for them to get the win as well. It was a great performance, and it's been building. It's a shame that it's taken us this long to get where we're at, and hopefully in
the off-season we can review that and fix that.”
Tasman will now face Otago in the next clash of ITM Cup 2011 on August 21.
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