2012 ITM CUP

Beginning the season with a victory over their Crusaders stable mate Canterbury, recording one of the highest scores in an unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenge, then another couple of quick wins and here was the making of a good season. And so it turned out as five wins out of the ten round robin games and a place in the semi-final made for one of the best seasons yet for Tasman in their brief history.

Veteran Robbie Malneek brought up an unusual record with his 100th provincial game (from 28 for Nelson Bays and 72 for Tasman) with a try and victory over table topping Counties Manukau. Supporters will struggle to find a poor game among those 100. Tom Marshall began the season midway and maintained the expected level of excellence. Peter Betham of the Waratahs Super Rugby team the right wing position and finished top try scorer for the season – some of them gems. Scoring just his one try in the first game of the season does not give the full value of Kieron Fonotia at centre for Tasman. Having played in every game for the last two years is a better measure. Much respected Andrew Goodman again captained the team from second five eight, kicking some great goals along the way. Newcomer Hayden Cripps had previously represented Wellingon and was at first five eighth all season. He kicked a drop goal in his first match which was the only one kicked by any player in the round robin phase of the ITM Cup competition. Another new face was Jeremy Sua who played in every game, and distinguished himself sufficiently to be chosen to play for Samoa at season’s end.

On loan from Canterbury, Jordon Taufua had an outstanding debut season at number eight. Pity was that he had to be returned to Canterbury for their semi-final rather than playing in Tasman’s semi-final. His season culminated in being named one of NZ Rugby Almanack’s five promising players of the year (2013 issue).

Shane Christie was a most energetic flanker whose games have improved by the year. Gary Redmond was a competitive newcomer at flank. Consistent and committed are the hallmarks of Joe Wheeler, be it at flanker or lock. Riki Hoeata was again an effective contributor – mostly from the bench. Filipo Levi, who had been a late starter last year, was available for the whole season providing needed experience in the tight. Two new props with All Blacks connections played – Campbell Johnstone who had been an All Black in 2005 and Tim Perry, formerly of Mid Canterbury, is the son of Grant Perry All Black of 1980. Both performed up to their high expectations with Johnstone at tight-head and Perry at loose-head. At hooker Quentin MacDonald seems to get better by this year.

Tasman Makos 2012 NPC draw.

Home Game
1	Makos	VS	Canterbury	Trafalgar Park, Nelson	Fri 24 Aug, 8:05pm 2012	W 25 - 22
(Tries: Shane Christie, Robbie Malneek, Kieron Fonotia; Pen & Con (2): Andrew Goodman; Drop Goal: Hayden Cripps)
2	Makos	VS	Taranaki	New Plymouth	Sat 01 Sep, 7:35pm 2012	L 40 - 49
(Tries: James Lowe, Campbell Johnstone, Tim Perry, Quentin MacDonald, Robbie Malneek; Pen (3) & Con (3): Andrew Goodman)
3	Makos	VS	Manawatu	Palmerston North	Sat 09 Sep, 2:35 2012	W 27 - 3
(Tries: Peter Betham, Robbie Malneek, James Low, Jordan Taufua; Pen & Con (2): Andrew Goodman)
4	Makos	VS	Southland	Lansdowne Park, Blenheim	Wed 12 Sep, 7:35pm 2012	W 23 - 20
(Tries: Peter Betham, Robbie Malneek; Pen: Hayden Cripps)
5	Makos	VS	Northland	Lansdowne Park, Blenheim	Sun 16 Sep, 2:35pm 2012	L 17 - 20
(Try: Filipo Levi; Pen (3): Hayden Cripps; Pen: Andrew Goodman)
6	Makos	VS	Otago	Dunedin	Sun 23 Sep, 4:35pm 2012	L 13 - 39
(Tries: Andrew Goodman, Hayden Cripps; Pen: Hayden Cripps)
7	Makos	VS	Waikato	Hamilton	Thu 27 Sep, 7:35pm 2012	L 19 - 20
(Try: Peter Betham; Pen (4) & Con: Tom Marshall)
8	Makos	VS	Bay of Plenty	Trafalgar Park, Nelson	Thu 04 Oct, 7:35pm 2012	W 17 - 3
(Tries: Tom Marshall, Quentin MacDonald; Pen  & Con (2): Tom Marshall)
9	Makos	VS	Counties Manukau	Pukekohe	Sun 06 Oct, 4:35pm 2012	W 28 - 19
(Tries: Peter Betham (2), Robbie Malneek; Pen (3) & Con (2): Tom Marshall)
10	Makos	VS	North Harbour	Trafalgar Park, Nelson	Sat 13 Oct, 7:35pm 2012	L 10 - 42
(Try: Hayden Cripps; Pen & Con: Tom Marshall)
Championship Semi-Final
11	Makos	VS	Otago	Dunedin	Fri 19 Oct, 7:35pm 2012	L 34 - 41
(Tries: Andrew Goodman, Peter Betham, Albert Nikoro; Pen (3) & Con (2): Goodman; Pen (2): Nikoro)

2012 PLAYER RESULT