CarCo the Mako says
Hi Makos FINatics.
Saturday’s match against Canterbury was a great occasion for the over 7,000 fans who got out to enjoy a glorious Nelson sunny afternoon. Everyone was in fine voice and enjoyed the family day atmosphere and activities.
The Canterbury team spoilt the party however with their convincing win, and now have the look of a Premiership favourite about them given the way they defended so well and took their chances.
Our Makos have qualified for the semi-finals and we all should be proud of that. To be in the top 4 rugby provinces in the country is a very good achievement in itself.
Our standards have lifted remarkably in recent seasons and expectations are now high. Some fans will be disappointed with the last 3 match performances but be assured the team will be trying its hardest tonight against Taranaki (7.30 pm on Skysport 1). The team needs a win tonight and for Counties to beat Auckland to realise a home semi in Blenheim.
As for the match, head coach Kieran Keane was impressed with Canterbury: "I thought the best team did win because they took their chances". He rated it a step up by the Makos on the previous week's effort against Counties Manukau: "It was a far better effort all round. The catch-cry all week was 'no regrets' and I've got no regrets about what they did. I can't be disappointed in the effort and the way they came back”.
The crowd was incredible and I had a ball catching up with our fans. You can check out my photos on Facebook.
FINAL WHISTLE: Canterbury 41 (Rob Thompson 2, Matt Todd, Tom Taylor, Cameron McIntyre tries, Taylor 5 con, 2 pen) v Tasman 25 (Shane Christie 2, David Havili tries, Marty Banks pen, con, Havili pen, Trent Renata con) HT:17-10.
Flanker and captain Shane Christie earned his second Makoman award from his fellow players and team management for his leadership by example and brace of tries that go the Makos back in to the game.
He is now strongly in contention for the Makoman Of The Year award of a trip for two to Paris presented by Mondo Travel and Air France.
On Saturday you would have seen the team wearing a distinctive 10 Year Commemorative jersey.
It marks the anniversary of our introduction into the NPC 10 seasons ago (2006) and features the names of the 125 Makos who represented Tasman up to the beginning of this campaign.
10 Year Commemorative Replica jerseys are in stock on our online shop.
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.
