Marko the Mako says....
After an excellent first round result against Hawkes Bay in Blenheim, the team knuckled down in preparation for their first away match against Bay of Plenty in Tauranga on Sunday.
The team was in good spirits and had a very good Captain’s run on Friday morning in perfect conditions, the same sunny and dry weather to be expected up north. 
Following the run the team them went out to Nelson Pine, home of GoldenEdge MDF & LVL, the team’s principle sponsor. Lead by Murray Sturgeon and his team, Nelson Pine continue a grand association with rugby in the region that now spans 27 years.
Whatever Murray said in his pep talk to the team must have worked wonders as the team won its second round match by a record 56 – 27 v Bay of Plenty.
The Makos didn’t get the start they or the coaches would have wanted when an off-load in an early phase of play went astray, which BOP capitalised on with a converted try. A terrific sense of awareness by hooker Quentin Macdonald saw him level up the scores with an intercept try converted by Marty Banks. Additional first half tries to Tom Marshall, skipper Shane Christie and centre Kieron Fonotia, all converted by Banks who also slotted a couple of penalties, had the Makos in front by 34-15 at oranges.
A fabulous backline move created a try for James Lowe in the second half. At this point the Makos lost their way somewhat until Marty Banks then David Havili scored tries, both converted by Banks, closing out an impressive final few minutes.
After the match skipper Shane Christie wasn't exactly satisfied: “"We got the win, but our expectations are high - so we've got to stick to our own standards and it wasn't there tonight."
This team has a real hunger about it.
Tasman Makos 56 (Quentin MacDonald, Tom Marshall, Shane Christie, Kieron Fonotia, James Lowe, Marty Banks, David Havili tries, Banks 3 pens, 6 cons) v Bay of Plenty 27 (Kane Hames, Joe Royal, Tino Nemani, Johan Bardoul tries, Dan Hollinshead pen, 2 cons) Ht 34-15.
Strong centre Kieron Fonotia was awarded the team’s Makoman award. His directness and deftness, especially in the first half, created tries and kept the BOP defence guessing. He has certainly benefited from his Crusaders experience this year.
Congratulations to Marty Banks who made ITM Cup history with hiis personal haul of 26 points. This made him the fastest ever to score 200 points of any player in any Union.
Next up for the team is a trip up north to take on Auckland at Eden Park this Sunday 31 August. Kick-off is at 4.35pm and live on Sky Sports.
Fins Up, Marko
