Tasman Makos: News

Makos enjoy early workout
12-Jul-2010

Marlborough Express - JOHN ALEXANDER
The Tasman Makos brushed off the cobwebs at Brightwater in Nelson yesterday to comfortably beat a Buccaneers selection 56-12 in the first of three warmup matches leading into the ITM Cup competition.

Essentially the Nelson Bays Sub-Union rep team, the Buccaneers provided stiff opposition in the first half and led 12-10 at the half-hour mark, first five-eighth Chris McNichol and loose forward Daniel Hyatt running in tries.

However, the Makos picked up their intensity and accuracy in the second half, and in the finish scored 10 tries in what coach Kieran Keane said was a good workout.

Fullback Robbie Malneek was at his attacking best, capitalising on some good work inside him to score three tries. Wing James Kamana showed his finishing skills as well, scoring a brace of tries, although by the end of the match he had a strained hamstring.

The two Marlborough-based teenagers in the Makos, hooker Vernon Fredericks from Moutere and Waitohi first-five Daniel Hawkins, had sound debuts, said Keane.

The lineouts weren't as good as Keane would have liked. Improving this, and playing at a higher intensity to match what Canterbury would bring to the table, were things to work on during the week, he said.

"The opposition got into us and ruffled a few feathers. A good hitout. I think we can make progress from it. We got a lot of counter-attack tries.

"[There were] a lot of tries to the outside backs, which meant we were working hard inside."

Buccaneers coach Marty O'Kane was pleased with the effort put in by his team. "Probably typical of what you would expect. They ran several tries in over the last quarter. We matched them physically most of the game.

"We got very little possession in the second half and we had to fight for everything, and what we got we didn't use that well."

Standout players for the Buccaneers included midfielder Junior Sifa, an American Eagles rep and former Makos player.

Hyatt had a strong game up front, as did hooker Troy Liddell and openside flanker Hana Corbett-Burrows.

Keane and assistant coach Leon MacDonald used all their 23 fit players at some stage. Keane said he would do so again on Friday against Canterbury at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim.

Several players have injury niggles, including Kamana, prop Sam Prattley and lock Joe Wheeler.

Meanwhile, the Makos' training camp at Murchison was a big success, Keane said.

Among the activities and daily challenges thrown at the players was a five-hour run through the bush and hills, tramping and orienteering exercises.

"They faced a challenge every day and it brought them together. A bit of blood, sweat and tears. We did a lot of hard work."

Scorers:

Tasman Makos 56 (Robbie Malneek 3, James Kamana 2, Afeleke Pelenise, Tevita Koloamatangi, Jack Umaga, Jonathan Poff, Shane Christie tries; Steve Alfeld con, Daniel Hawkins 2 con) Buccaneers 12 (Kris McNicholl, Daniel Hyatt tries, McNicholl con).