CarCo the Mako says
Hi Makos FINatics.
Game 3 to Blenheim was quite a trip for me, in more ways than one. The Thursday night turnout was very good with a knowledgeable, noisy and supportive crowd getting right in behind their mighty Tasman Makos. Some very good players have come out of Marlborough and this current Makos team is no exception. The return to rugby of local favourite Vernon Fredericks was a highlight of this bonus point victory over Manawatu.
We now embark on two away matches, this Friday against Otago in Dunedin and the following Friday against the Lions in Wellington.
The match against Manawatu was a ripper. Our boys were very positive from the get go and played some really good attacking rugby. Equally though the Turbos were magnificent in defence. I reckon many other teams would have conceded more points than the 21 the Makos had clocked up at half-time. Coach Kieran Keane thought it was the best half of rugby played by our boys so far this year.
After conceding a well-executed try to the Turbos halfback Hammington from a set move, the Makos got to work. A rolling maul from a lineout 15 metres out resulted in a try to Blenheim favourite, hooker Quentin MacDonald. Relentless pressure on the Turbos line at the 25 minute mark say flanker Pete Samu cross for the first of his two tries. Three penalties and a conversion to Marty Banks made up the difference.
A lovely well-worked move early in the second half initiated by Turbos first five Otere Black resulted in a converted try to their winger Masirewa. The Makos saved their best moment to the 60th minute when debutant winger Viliami Lolohea gathered a Jimmy Cowan up and under, and then moments later flicked a pass in the tackle to Pete Samu who again showed off his blistering speed to score out wide.
Jimmy Cowan secured the bonus point try with a dive over from close quarters. Marty duly converted for a haul of 21 points from 3 conversions and 5 penalties.
Shane Christie was yellow carded for a foot trip at the 70th minute resulting in a penalty try. At the 78th minute I had a trip down the embankment resulting in a fractured ankle! But I’ll be back for North Harbour!
FINAL WHISTLE: Tasman 41 (Pete Samu (2), Quentin MacDonald, Jimmy Cowan tries; Marty Banks 5 pen, 3 con) v Manawatu 21 (Kayne Hammington, Semisi Masirewa tries, penalty try; Otere Black 3 con). HT 21-7.
At the debrief meeting on Monday, number 8 Liam Squire was picked by his team mates and coaching staff as our Makoman against Manawatu for his strong carries and offensive and defensive tackling. Liam now has a one in 12 chance of a trip for 2 to Paris thanks to Mondo Travel & Air France.
Lock Alex Ainley was chosen by the coaches as their Man of Steel for another trademark gutsy, hardworking effort.
As mentioned the boys now hit the road for two away games against Otagio and Wellington. We then have two home games in quick succession – in Nelson on Wednesday night 16 September v North Harbour (7.35pm kick off), and then in Blenheim on Sunday afternoon 20 September v Auckland (4.35pm).
The boys will really appreciate you loud and passionate support.
The best bet as always is to pre-purchase your tickets before getting to the ground.
Ticketing outlets this season are Floorpride Civic Theatre in Blenheim, Nelson i-Site, Richmond Mall and your nearest NBS branch or you can buy easily online at www.makos.co.nz .
For ITM Cup, even though RWCA Kids 12 Years & Younger are Free they will need to be ticketed with a paying customer (4 kids per adult) so we can keep track of our attendance data and keep everyone safe and accounted for.
I’ll see you there at Shark Park, Nelson on Wednesday 16th.
Fins Up! CarCo the Mako
CarCo the Mako is proudly supported by the The Car Company and will be at community and other sporting events throughout the season as well as at all home matches.
