CarCo the Mako says
Hi Makos FINatics.
Saturday’s match against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe is one we all – coaches, players, fans – would probably rather forget. It was a completely lack-lustre and unexpected display of poor defence and commitment to the cause. It was also a shame that Robbie Malneek’s 100th match for the Makos couldn’t be celebrated more joyfully. However our congratulations do go out to him – 100 games from a possible 109 encounters is a phenomenal record.
That’s how rugby goes though so now it’s time to get back on the horse and prepare for Saturday’s big rivalry match up against Canterbury. They too are coming off a loss so it will be on for young and old. It’s also Family Day so we hope to see lots of kids (big & small) wearing their favourite Onesies!
The Counties match was full of twists and turns. It’s interesting that, despite a high missed tackle count by the Makos, with just a few minutes remaining the team were still well in the hunt for a possible win and a probable bonus point or two.
The denial of a five pointer to flanker Pete Samu, that this one-eyed shark thought was a try, was a turning point. Let’s be fair however, Counties were much the better team and well deserved their victory.
It was a tough day for both Robbie Malneek and Marty Banks, Robbie not able to celebrate his milestone game in a winning manner, and Marty becoming the first ITM Cup player to pass 100 points for the season.
FINAL WHISTLE: Counties Manukau 42 (Richard Judd, Cardiff Vaega, Sikeli Nabou, Pele Cowley, Onosai'i Auva'a tries; Piers Francis 3 pen, 2 con, Willy Walker 2 con) Tasman Makos 33 (Kieron Fonotia, Marty Banks, Billy Guyton tries; Banks 2 pen, 2 con, David Havili 2 pen, con) HT: 21-13.
Winger Vils Lolohea earned his second Makoman award for his try saving efforts and also picked up the MakoXcell award for his self-less teamwork on the training field.
As could be expected the coaches chose not to present the Ironman award for best defensive display.
Traditional rivals Canterbury will be our final regular season home match opponents in Nelson this Saturday 3 October at 2.35pm.
Kids, Wear Your Onesies
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 with their 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.
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.
