Finned fans flock to see Makos heroes, SBW [Fairfax]
CROWD PLEASER: A young fan checks out the Makos mascot's teeth at the match.
The final score in yesterday's clash between the Tasman Makos and Counties Manukau was written over the faces of fans as they left Lansdowne Park in Blenheim.
The Makos went down 21-16 to Counties, in only their second loss of the season.
The much-anticipated match attracted a near sell-out crowd, with thousands of Makos supporters dressed in team shirts, carrying flags and sporting fins on their heads. Organisers put the number of spectators at 7100.
Vicki Gifford took her children Lachlan, 5, and Dylan, 4, to the game, and the only thing on their minds was sporting superstar Sonny Bill Williams.
"They've been standing up watching him the whole time."
Williams, making his first appearance at Lansdowne Park, received a cheer from the crowd when he ran onto the field late in the first half.
Gifford said the atmosphere of the game had been amazing.
"It's a fantastic day and it's great to see such a packed crowd.
The support for the Makos was great and the children enjoyed the fun day out, she said.
"The kids love getting dressed up and when I came around with the fins, their faces lit up.
"They are having a great time."
Hannah Armstrong, Ranee Norton and Yas Gee also attended the game to celebrate Ladies' Day and support the Makos.
Ladies' Day, which attracted about 60 woman to a roped-off area, was held at Lansdowne Park to coincide with the game .
Armstrong, Norton and Gee entertained the crowd at halftime, when the Makos were ahead 9-7, by shaking a bottle of bubbles and popping the cork over the goalposts.
Armstrong took the win and scored a $300 Thomas' voucher.
Yealands Estate, which sponsors the Makos, sponsored Ladies' Day, along with Thomas' department store in Blenheim.
Armstrong, who arrived just before kickoff, said she had enjoyed the day.
"It's been a very nice day.
"I am here to support our Makos boys.
"They are doing great.
"The wine was a great touch."
Norton, who arrived earlier in the day, said she was blown away by the turnout and the support.
"The atmosphere has been amazing. It's been fun."
Wine was served by Makos team members, which was an added bonus, she said.
Gee said her day perked up when she caught a glimpse of Williams.
"It was great. I thought he was going to come out and help me with popping the cork. I needed it."
As the game drew to a close, commentators rallied support to help the Makos with one final push over the line. Despite the close call, the final score saw the Makos fall short.
However, the loss did not mean Blenheim would necessarily lose the ITM Cup final.
If the Makos beat Canterbury this weekend and Taranaki lose their semifinal to Auckland, the final will be played at Lansdowne Park.
But if Taranaki win over Auckland the final will on their home ground.
The Tasman Makos take on Canterbury 7.05pm at Trafalgar Park in Nelson this Saturday.
- The Marlborough Express
