Makos v Bulls

This match was definitely a game of two halves.

The Tasman Makos were barely in the first half and, thanks to the boot of Marty Banks, were lucky to head into the halftime break only down 6-13. The start of the second half didn’t go much better and a converted intercept try gave the Taranaki Bulls a 20-12 lead with 30 minutes to play. That’s when the Makos tenacity and desire to win kicked in.

Links:
Makos keep fans on edge of their seats
Taranaki match day photos by Shuttersport

The Makos sparked into life and a converted try to centre Kieron Fonotia reduced the deficit to a single point.

Marty Banks kicked his fifth and sixth penalties of the afternoon to get in from 25 -20. Then in the final few minutes memories of 2014 flooded back as turn over ball at a scrum delayed kicking the ball into touch after the full time hooter.

This time however the team held it together to claim an important second win of the season from three starts, all against Premiership opposition.

Shane Christie led from the front and was tireless on both sides of the ball (and now with a competition leading 44 tackles). Hooker Andrew Makalio was impressive in attack, while his line-out throwing was excellent. Mitchell Hunt continues to shine at full back and first five-eighths Marty Banks had an accurate day with the kicking tee with seven from seven. Billy Guyton's composure at halfback in the second half was also a key to victory.

Tasman 25 (Kieron Fonotia try; Marty Banks con, 6 pen) v Taranaki 20 (Beaudein Waaka, Seta Tamanivalu tries; Marty McKenzie 2 con, 2 pen). HT: 6-13.

In 2 weeks; Northland in Nelson

On Friday evening 16 September, join us straight after work for a 5.45pm evening clash against the Northland Taniwha.

Fins Up!