A last gasp try has given Tasman a 23-16 victory over Waikato in their ITM Cup match in Nelson.

An early try from fullback Robbie Malneek gave the Mako's a huge boost in confidence and ran out to a large 16-3 lead at the hooter.

Waikato clawed their way back into the match and thanks to a Declan O'Donnell try and two penalty kicks from Damian McKenzie the Mooloos tied the score up at 16-all with ten minutes remaining.

Tasman eventually had the last say as several drives at Waikato's try line turned fruitful when Siosiua Halanukonuka crashed over in the final act of the match.