Final win for Canterbury
Let’s start by acknowledging how good Canterbury played in the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership Final. They were terrific, as they were all season losing just 2 games in 12.
That said, 2017 has been another excellent season for Tasman, with the team punching above its weight to make a second Premiership final in 3 seasons.
LINKS
Canterbury too strong for Tasman
Tasman succession plan well in hand
Premiership Final photos by Shuttersport
Unfortunately the Makos didn’t get away to the start they wanted, conceding 12 points before the match had even settled down. From there on it was always going to be a case of catch up rugby with the closest margin being within 9 points.
Every time the score line was narrowed, Canterbury were able to find another gear and put on points. For Canterbury, their first five, Richie Mo’unga, put on a master class.
It was a bit disappointing that a large contingent of travelling Makos supporters (hundreds of whom too advantage of tickets bought and given away by Shane Drummond and The Car Company) were unable to see Marty Banks and Kieron Fonotia head off overseas victorious.
Head coach Leon MacDonald and assistants Mark Hammett and Andrew Goodman, and the returning players can take great heart from a very successful Premiership campaign, already with an eye toward the 2017 season. We wish Liam Squire well on the All Blacks northern tour, as well as Shane Christie, Billy Guyton, Kane Hames and James Lowe on tour with NZ Maori.
Canterbury 43 (R.Mo'unga 2, D.McDuling, N.Earle, R.Thompson, B.Harmon tries; J.Barrett 5 con, 1 pen) v Tasman 27 (S.Frizell, B.Guyton, J.McDonald tries; M.Banks 3 con, 2 pen)
HT: 22-13
2016 Makos Team awards
On Monday evening the Makos team awards dinner was held and the following players acknowledged ~
MakoXcell Award (contribution to team culture on and off the field) – Shane Christie
Iron Man (defensive player) – Shane Christie
Rookie of the Year – Andrew Makalio
Players’ Player – Pete Samu
Mako Man (Player of the Year as selected by the coaches) – Shane Christie
Our congratulations to these players.
Fins Up!
