CARCO THE MAKO SAYS
Hi Makos FINatics.
The Makos seventh match of the season, and third in just nine days, proved a bridge too far for our gallant Tasman Makos against Auckland in Blenheim on Sunday. In front of a big crowd, the Makos clearly looked off the pace and a bit weary against a fresh and combative Auckland team who well deserved their win.
For our lads it is now back to a more regular weekly routine, with a full week to rest, recover and prepare for an important away match aginst Counties-Manukau this Saturday in Pukekohe.
Playing with a strong wind at their backs, Auckland put the Makos under pressure throughout, slotting an early penalty and then scoring a converted try to back rower Joe Edwards for a 10-nil lead. Marty Banks (2) and Simon Hickey swapped penalties before big Blues centre George Moala crashed over for a converted try just before the siren to go to oranges at 20 – 6 to Auckland.
Now with the strong wind at their backs the expectation was that the Makos would claw their way back, and a Banks penalty helped the cause. However a kick through by Auckland and a good chase by Vince Aso saw Auckland get out to 16 points clear.
Makos lock Joe Wheeler lunged over for a try converted by Banks that gave the faithful hope and reduced the margin to 9. Banks and Auckland replacement Mitch Hunt then exchanged penalties.
At the 73rd minute the Makos made a curious decision not to take a penalty adjacent to the posts, and a possible bonus point, opting instead for a lineout play that ended with a penalty against. Auckland then finished strongly closing out their win.
I had a great day out in Blenheim and meet heaps of our young fans. You can check out my photos on Facebook here.
FINAL WHISTLE: Auckland 26 (Tries: Joe Edwards, George Moala, Vince Aso; Simon Hickey 2 pen, 2 con; Mitch Hunt pen) v Tasman 16 (Joe Wheeler try; Marty Banks 4 pen, con, David Havili 2 pen). HT 20-6.
Vils Lolohea & Alex Ainley.
With the quick turn around after the North Harbour match we didn’t get the chance to advise that the team awards went to Vils Lolohea (Makoman) for his outstanding hat trick of tries, Joe Wheeler (Ironman) for his defence and Jeff Lepa (MakoXcell award) for his self-less teamwork on the training field.
Alex Ainley was named the Auckland match Makoman for his gutsy performance on Sunday making 22 tackles without missing one. Alex also picked up our Ironman award his defence. David Havili who has played in a number of backline positions this season was voted our MakoXcell award winner for going the extra mile for the team.
Traditional rivals Canterbury will be our final regular season home match opponents in Nelson on Saturday 3 October, 2.35pm.
Being a Saturday afternoon, this will be our Family Day and everyone is invited to wear their favourite onesie. There will be bouncy castles and the NBS inflatable obstacle course. As well NBS will be there within face painting marquee. Families with kids are invited to be seated at the Port end of the East Stand so parents can watch both the game and their kids.
As always the best bet is to pre-purchase your tickets before getting to the ground to enable quick access through the gates.
Ticketing outlets in Nelson are Nelson i-Site, Richmond Mall and your nearest NBS branch. If coming over from Blenheim go to Floorpride Civic Theatre or the i-Sites in Blenheim & Picton i-Site. 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 Saturday 3 October.
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.
