Marko the Mako says...
Saturday night in Christchurch was a great place to be, watching the Makos make more history this season with our first win against Canterbury down there. I wasn’t alone at Addington Stadium either as the support for our team was colourful and noisy. I spotted several Hammerheads and both Marlborough & Nelson Bays Under 18 rep teams in the stands as well as a heap of other fans wearing red & blue.
To beat Canterbury (which funnily enough we do quite regularly) requires a fully committed forward pack and excellent defence. Our tight five and back row set the foundation by aggressively matching the star studded Canterbury pack, the Makos defensive line kept pretty much intact the whole night, and the backline showed some razzle dazzle to come out victors by 38 – 10.
The win clinched a top two finish in the ITM Cup Premiership, and a home semi-final to be played in Nelson on Saturday 18 October (kick off time and opposition to be confirmed).
The sweet off-load by Robbie Malneek for James Lowe’s first try will be talked about for a long, long time by those fortunate enough to see it. The rest of the tries were special too.
With such a convincing team performance it is difficult to single out the outstanding players however the tight five – Halanukonuka, MacDonald, Geldehyus, Wheeler & Ainley - were outstanding, no 8 Vernon Fredericks continued his rich vein of form, ably supported by flankers Tevita Koloamatangi and skipper Shane Christie in his 50th match for the Makos.
These eight forwards allowed the backs to bust some pretty mean moves, keeping the home crowd quiet and giving us visitors heaps to cheer about.
Tasman 38 (James Lowe 2, David Havili, Jimmy Cowan, Marty Banks tries; Banks 5 con, pen) v Canterbury 10 (Matt Todd try; Richie Mo'unga con, pen). HT: 14-3.
No 8 Vernon Fredericks was voted the week’s Mako Man by the players and team management while Joe Wheeler picked up the Iron Man award for best defensive effort.
The Makos next home game is this Sunday in Blenheim against Counties-Manukau and Sonny Bill Williams at 4.35pm. This is our Yealands Wines Ladies Day and should be a great occasion.
The home semi-final will be hosted in Nelson on Saturday 18 October with the kick off time and opposition to be confirmed. We are working on having the tickets on sale as quickly as possible early next week.
Fins Up, Marko
