Opening wins for Turbos, Northland

With the ITM Cup competition split into two divisions this season, we take a look at Saturday's results from the 'Championship'.

With the ITM Cup split into two divisions this year, we take a look at Saturday's results from the 'Championship'.

Manawatu got off to a winning start in 2011 after seeing off Hawke's Bay 32-23 in their tournament opener in Palmerston North.

Turbos number eight Hamish Gosling scored the match-clinching try in the 78th minute following a see-saw battle in the second half, with the hosts leading just 11-9 at half-time.

Meanwhile, Northland outscored Tasman three tries to nill in their 19-9 win in Whangarei.

The Makos were restricted to playing catch-up rugby throughout the match after the Taniwha stormed into a 12-0 lead early on.

Tasman's Andrew Goodman kept Tasman within touching distance with a pair of penalties but still trailed 12-6 at half-time.

Northland pressed on in the second half and came up just short of securing a bonus point win.

The scorers:

Manawatu v Hawke's Bay

For Manawatu:
Tries: Smith, Cama, Stone, Gosling
Cons: Cruden 3
Pens: Cruden 2

For Hawke's Bay:
Tries: McLeod, Sinoti
Cons: Horrell 2
Pens: Horrell 3

Northland v Tasman

For Northland:
Tries: Faleafa, Bancroft 2
Cons: Munro 2

For Tasman:
Pens: Goodman 3