Marko the Mako says....
It was a very big day for the Golden Edge Tasman Makos team and us fans on Sunday. Having a replay of the 2013 Championship Final as a first up match, against a strong Hawkes Bay team with 16 Super players in their squad, was enough to make a fair few of us apprehensive. Would this be a banana skin game or would the Makos start as they finished last season?
David Havili’s spectacular try made the crowd go wild.
In glorious Blenheim sunshine, in front of a crowd of 3,500 including a a large number of corporates enjoying their marquees, the latter option was delivered by our very talented and well coached team.
A 35 -15 win was an impressive start to the Tasman Makos 2014 ITM Cup campaign.
A massive bust by No 8 Liam Squire in the 2nd minute lead to a try to local hero, lock Joe Wheeler, converted by first-five Marty Banks. This set the tone for the day. The Makos showed a determination to play rugby at speed and high skill levels that the Magpies from the Bay were unable to match.
Marty Banks accumulated points with 3 penalties in the middle of the first half before the pressure being sustained on the Hawkes Bay defence lead to a converted try to Bryce Heem and a 23 – 3 halftime lead.
The second half was more of the same with amazing kick and chase skills by Tom Marshall creating his try, converted by Marty, and the win was pretty much locked up. Hawkes Bay however scored off a Robbie Fruen intercept to keep our boys minds on the job.
The Tasman scoring was closed out by a spectacular try to replacement centre David Havili. This try has featured on many a news broadcast including The Crowd Goes Wild. The Blenheim fans did go wild because the athleticism displayed was top drawer.
Tasman Makos 35 (Joe Wheeler, Bryce Heem, Tom Marshall, David Havili tries, Marty Banks 3 pens, 3 cons) Hawkes Bay 15 (Robbie Fruean, Brendon O'Connor tries, Ihaia West pen, con) HT 23-3.
Veteran lock Alex Ainley was awarded the players’ Makoman award. His tirelessness in the tight and on defence, and aerial skills at lineout time was a standout. Backrowers Liam Squire and skipper Shane Christie were also prominent while Marty Banks steered the boys around the park with maturity and kicked 6 out of 7.
Congratulations to our new Tasman caps, Ross Geldenhyus, Jesse MacDonald, Jimmy Cowan, David Havili and Ben Tyler. You join a pretty select group of 121 players to wear the Makos jersey with pride.
Next up for the team is a trip to Tauranga to play Bay of Plenty this Sunday 24 August. Kick-off is at 4.35pm and live on Sky Sports.
Fins Up, Marko
