CarCo the Mako Says
Hi Makos FINatics.
Our first block of four matches is now completed and we can all be proud that the team have recorded four wins and a maximum 20 points to head the Premiership table.
The next six are a big challenge as they include Big City Unions Wellington. Auckland & Canterbury, defending premiers Taranaki, as well as tough provinces North Harbour & Counties Manukau.
The first of these big matches is on this Friday night against the Lions in Wellington. We all wish the boys well for this important encounter.
The match against Otago had a bit of everything. There were four outstanding tries to seal the bonus point away in Dunedin; never an easy task. There were also long periods of inaccuracy, especially in the second half, which were frustrating for the team and the coaches as well as us fans.
The match got off to a great start with a try within the first minute. Marty Banks did a “show and go” to bust the line before in passing to half-back Billy Guyton who went over under the sticks. Repeat phases from an Otago clearing kick at the 10 minute mark saw Guyton put winger Mitchell Scott into space and his pace and a jump step did the rest.
What seemed like a possible romp then became a contest as Otago hit back with two tries of their own, one converted. It took until well after the half-time hooter when several entertaining Makos plays resulted in a pick and drive try for lock forward Marco Kotzke. Marty Banks converted all 3 tries and kicked a couple of penalties to have the Makos up 27 – 12 at the break.
The Makos came out of the blocks with enterprise off an Otago turnover inside their own half to put Mitchell Scott in the clear down the left wing. Scott found Robbie Malneek with a sweet inside pass and the fullback, in his 97th Makos match, did the rest. Banks converted. For the remaining 35 minutes the Makos couldn’t quite go on with the job, despite a number of opportunities. It took an unconverted Otago try to complete the scoring.
FINAL WHISTLE: Tasman 24 (Billy Guyton, Mitchell Scott, Marco Kotze, Robbie Malneek tries; Marty Banks 2 pen, 4 con) v Otago 17 (Adam Knight, Tom Franklin, Charlie O’Connell tries; Fletcher Smith con). HT 27-12.
At the debrief meeting on Monday, lock Marco Kotze was picked by his team mates and coaching staff as our Makoman against Otago for his tough and compromising play, executing all his core roles well. This included on defence also, for which he was also chosen by the coaches as their Ironman. Marco now has a one in 12 chance of a trip for 2 to Paris thanks to Mondo Travel & Air France.
The team plays Wellington at the Cake Tin this Friday in the first of 3 matches in 10 days. Next week there are 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. It was please to read a survey that had Tasman as providing the least expensive day out to watch rugby in the ITM Cup. Story here
The best bet as always is to pre-purchase your tickets before getting to the ground.
Ticketing outlets this season are Floorpride Civic Theatre and i-Site in Blenheim, Picton i-Site, 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 on Friday week.
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.
