12 Sep 2015

Makos end Lions' run, Harbour beat Counties

5:14 pm on 12 September 2015

The perfect start continues for provincial rugby's Premiership leaders Tasman, after the Makos beat Championship side Wellington 36-17 in the capital.

Both teams had won four from four, with maximum competition points - but only the Makos remain a hundred percent now after scoring four second-half tries to win in Wellington.

Marty Banks is in fine form for the Makos

Marty Banks kicked 10 points for Tasman Photo: Photosport

The home side, who were relegated from the top division last season but look odds-on for instant promotion back up this year, trailed 6-5 at half-time.

But the Lions went ahead 12-6 soon afterwards - however, that was about it as Tasman ran rampant from there.

The Makos' perfect start to the season will keep them on top of the Premiership at the end of the weekend, no matter what happens with other results.

North Harbour's Nafi Tuitavake tackled by Counties Manukau's Richard Judd during the ITM Cup match between North Harbour and Counties Manukau. QBE Stadium, Auckland, Saturday 12 September 2015. Copyright Photo: Raghavan Venugopal / www.photosport.nz

North Harbour's Nafi Tuitavake is tackled by Counties Manukau's Richard Judd Photo: Photosport

In Saturday's opening game, North Harbour posted their second victory, beating struggling Premiership side Counties Manukau 28-20 in Auckland.

Counties led 13-7 at half-time. Tana Umaga's side have won just one of six outings so far this season.

It's Harbour's first victory over Counties in six years.

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