Marko the Mako says...
Undefeated after 4 rounds has your Tasman Makos travelling well to begin the 2014 ITM Cup campaign. Waikato turned up ready to play on Thursday evening in front of a terrific Trafalgar Park home crowd of over 5,000 spectators.
The Makos began with a hiss and a roar in the opening stanza, with a fabulous fullback’s try to the evergreen Mako foundation player, Robbie Malneek, converted by Marty Banks who also added a penalty for a 10-nil lead.
It looked like the team might put on a repeat of their 2013 shellacking of the Mooloos, put a combination of Waikato speed and desire and Tasman pushed passes, put an end to any prospect of a run-away win.
Instead the Tasman team had to weather a dominant Waikato team in the middle stages of the match before grabbing a last grasp converted try to prop Ciua Halanukonuka to take out the win by 23 -16.
Despite the error rate by the Makos this was a highly entertaining match for spectators with high-octane rugby, although coaches Kieran Keane and Leon MacDonald most likely have a bit less hair.
Two further penalties to Marty Banks and one for Waikato’s live wire first five Damien McKenzie saw the score 16 – 3 in Tasman’s favour as the half-time hooter sounded.
After the break it was all Waikato as they clawed back into the game. The speed of McKenzie, wing Declan O’Donnell and half-back Brad Weber caused the Makos no end of concern. A try to O’Donnell, a conversion and 2 penalties to McKenzie locked the score up at 16-all with quite some time left on the clock.
It was in the final five minutes that Tasman played some of their best rugby of the season, finally displaying patience that created continuity and much pressure on the Waikato defence. Finally the Tasman pack got a sniff at the Waikato goal line and Ciua Halanukonuka was able to force his way over with 30 seconds left on the clock.
Tasman 23 (Robbie Malneek, Siua Halanukonuka tries, Marty Banks 3 pens, 2 cons) v Waikato 16 (Declan O'Donnell try, Damien McKenzie 3 pens, con). HT: 16-3.
Tasman assistant coach Leon MacDonald, whilst not happy with the lack of patience and phases said, "The last seven or eight minutes were probably our best iof the year. Some of that attack was fantatstic, as we let the ball do the work."
Fullback Robbie Malneek was awarded the team’s Makoman award. His attacking play over the last two weeks has been back to “vintage Robbie”. Others to excel were lock Tevita Cavubati, no 8 Liam Squire and Halanukonuka in the forwards while Kieron Fonotia’s ball carries were critical in the closing period.
Next up the Makos play the Taranaki Bulls at Trafalgar Park, Nelson this Thursday night (11 Sept, 7.35pm).
The gates open at 5pm, there will be curtain raiser between Nelson Bays & Marlborough Under 14’s rep teams and food & beverage outlets operating through-out the evening.
We look forward to many of you coming to the Shark Tank after work fir a great night’s entertainment.
Kick-off is at 7.35pm and please remember “Nothing Beats Being There”.
Fins Up, Marko
