Carco the Mako says
Hi Makos FINatics.
The Tasman Makos season has come to an end following a fairly comprehensive defeat at the hands of Auckland in our Premiership semi-final at Eden Park. Congratulations to Auckland, they were too big, too strong, too fast and too good on the day.
It was not the way the team wanted to send off Kieran Keane, who is leaving to join the Chiefs coaching team after seven seasons with us, six as head coach. We thank and salute you KK for making the rugby fans of Marlborough and Nelson Bays proud. #FinsUp!
The respect for KK is best summed up by lock Joe Wheeler: “"The contribution he has made to Tasman rugby has been massive. The growth that we have seen in this side under him has been special. Both in terms of the rugby and what he's done for a lot of guys. II can't say enough words to describe what a champion man he is. He bleeds for the jersey and the province. We are just very lucky to be a part of what he's done."
Well done too to the players and team management on another fine season, our second in the Premiership. To again make the semi-finals – third best province in the country – is a huge achievement. To skipper Shane Christie and the players, enjoy your break, and to the many who will play Super Rugby, we wish you great times ahead.
SEMI-FINAL FINAL WHISTLE: Auckland 44 (Akira Ioane, Ben Lam, Bryce Heem, Melani Nani, George Moala tries; Simon Hickey 2 pens, 4 cons; Jono Hickey pen, con) v Tasman 24 (Kieron Fonotia, Trent Renata, Alex Ainley tries; David Havili pen; Marty Banks 3 cons). HT: 20-3.
Season Statistics
Played 11, Won 7, Lost 4. Points for 355, Points against 280.
Position = 3rd.
The team scored 40 tries, conceding 32.
Leading try scorers were Kieron Fonotia and Pete Samu with 5 each.
Leading points scorer was Marty Banks with 124 (his third season in a row with 100+ points) comprised of 2 tries, 24 conversions and 22 penalties.
Five players played in all 11 matches – Shane Christie, Jimmy Cowan, Marco Kotze, David Havili and Siua Halanukonuka.
That’s it for an enjoyable 2015 ITM Cup season. I have enjoyed meeting so many of you at our matches in Blenheim and Nelson this season.
Enjoy your summer and we’ll catch up next year.
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.
