Marko the Mako says...
The 2014 ITM Cup Premiership Final saw a gallant Tasman Makos team fight to the finish before losing to a terrific Taranaki team by 32 – 36.
Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth was jam packed with 21,000 fans, 99% of who were decked out in amber & black. A couple of hundred Makos fans also made their presence felt, especially the travelling group consolidated in H Block.
The atmosphere was crackling and the noise deafening at times. One thing that can be said about the ‘Naki is that they love their rugby and their team. Home ground advantage proved critical as it should.
All Makos supporters can be very proud of our team as they never gave up, out-scoring their opposition by 4 tries to 3 at the final whistle. It has to be said though that Taranaki deserved their victory.
Taranaki 36 (Charlie Ngatai 2, Rhys Marshall tries; Codey Rei 5 pens, 3 cons) v Tasman 32 (Billy Guyton 2, Pete Samu, Kieran Fonotia tries; Marty Banks 2 pens, 3 cons). HT: 16-10
Skipper Shane Christie was respectful of Taranaki's efforts this season and of their ultimate achievement.
"They deserved their win, they played bloody well and their home advantage I think was pretty crucial. It was a pretty impressive crowd and they were really vocal, but they've welcomed us up here, I think they're pretty happy that we were in [the final] with them."
"It's an awesome achievement for the year and it's been awesome to play for the Union and all the supporters, all the people behind us. Hopefully we've done everyone proud.
Manager Marty Vercoe said initially the Makos were disappointed. "Anything that could have gone wrong, did. Any slice of luck that could have happened, didn't," he said.
"After the initial hurt seeps away you think ‘Oh well, we have done pretty well this season' and I think it is quite special when you see that most of Nelson and Marlborough are pretty rapt with the journey we have made."
Fan support made the loss easier to stomach but it was tough to lose a final, he said.
So that’s it for a wonderful season. These Makos are a regional team to be truly proud of. To get promoted from the Championship then contest a Premiership Final within one year is simply stellar.
Fins Up, Marko
