Makos spread cup thrills [Marlborough Express]

Makos player Marty Banks lifts a Seddon School student up to see the cup which Quentin MacDonald holds aloft.

Four players from the Tasman Makos brought the week to a thrilling end at Seddon School when they visited with the ITM Cup on Friday.

School teacher Nick Raynor said the players' visit was kept a surprise for the children, who got to touch and hold the cup..

"There is quite a high standard of rugby at the school and there are even some girls who are very keen players, so there was a lot of excitement to meet the players and see the cup," Mr Raynor said.

While prior commitments meant that the whole team could not go along, strong crowd favourites Marty Banks and Quentin MacDonald made the trip to the small school.

The players brought along mini-rugby balls for all the pupils, which the players signed.

"It was very relaxed and informal. They chatted to the kids that wanted to chat and also played around and threw the rugby ball around a bit," Mr Raynor said.

The Tasman Makos won the ITM Cup in a nail-biting final against Hawke's Bay on October 25.