Makos defeat Steelers

It’s not like the Makos to go tryless, but to do so and still win against a big and strong team like Counties Manukau is very pleasing. An astute kicking game from Marty Banks and Mitchell Hunt kept turning the big Counties forward pack around and in their own half of the field for lengthy periods.

Links:

Banks boot gets Makos home over the Steelers

Counties Manukau match photos by Shuttersport

It was also a match where the Tasman forwards really stepped up, countering aggression and responding to everything the Steelers forward pack threw at them.

Acting captain Alex Ainley and fellow lock forward Quin Strange, back rowers Tevita Koloamatangi and Pete Samu, and prop Tim Perry were particularly tough in this regard. In fact the whole forward pack including replacements can take a collective slap on the back for never taking a backward step against a committed opposition pack.

A special mention on the performance of Tevita Koloamatangi. Unknown to those in the crowd Tevita had suffered a close family bereavement in the evening prior to the match. His commitment to his team and our fans, and outstanding match day performance speaks volumes of the man.

Tasman 15 (Marty Banks 5 pen) v Counties Manukau 10 (Jimmy Tupou try, Piers Francis con, pen)

Next Away Matches

Tasman v Auckland

Thursday 6 October, 7.35pm – Eden Park

Tasman v North Harbour

Wednesday 12 October, 7.35pm – Albany

Fins Up!