Tasman Makos: News

Under 21s results 2007
15-Oct-2007

Built on the foundations of a strong 2006 U20 season when Tasman captured the inaugural South Island Championship, 2007 saw the Makos field a successful Under 21 side.

Captained by Quentin MacDonald, the team returned four win one loss record, be it by a narrow margin.

Our initiation onto the national stage at U21 level came on the 9th of September when we met Wellington U21 at Lansdowne Park at an unfamiliar time of 11am. The game was a huge step up in intensity and physicality as the team showed great composure and commitment to beat the visitors 26-22. The score hid the initial dominance Tasman enjoyed leading 19-10 at the break with a try to Aifala Taelega and conversion and penalties to James Marshall, before allowing Wellington enough space to come within a try of upsetting the home team just before full time.

The Team maintained its momentum by beating the Tri-Services Senior Team 35-22 at Landsdowne Park, as another curtain raiser game for the Makos this time Vs Canterbury. This five try effort was built on utilising space early to jump out to 19-7 half time lead through tries to Denis Pili (2) and Gareth McIlroy. However after the break the bruising services forwards matched their younger counterparts and gave them a chance by scoring two tries and earning a penalty to bring them within 6 points at 28-22, before a sweeping blindside movement saw Sione Holani dot down in the corner to finish this tough encounter.

The final game in our program saw us travel to the garden city to meet Canterbury U21 at AMI Stadium, a curtain raiser for Canterbury’s quarter final against Otago on the 6th October. The plan was always to finish the season on a high by remaining unbeaten in the process commanding respect as potential contributors to the Crusader franchise. Though the game was lost albeit by 3 points (41-44) respect was certainly earned as both teams enjoyed a free flowing game ending with six tries a piece. Though all who travelled south played crucial roles in the game, Tevita Koloamatangi showed the crowd glimpses of what may lay ahead in his rugby career. The loose forward was outstanding in all facets of the game capping off a great individual effort with the ‘individual try of the game’.

The 2007 season marked the introduction of a group of young talented players to the Tasman Jersey. James Marshall, Tevita Koloamatangi, Simon Dobson, Kevin Moore and Daniel Hyatt made the step up from a successful 2006 Nelson Bays U18 program.

While from over the hill Quentin MacDonald, Adam Goldsworthy and Fo’ou Tiueti came from the 2006 Marlborough U18 program.
Quentin and Mako, Kade Poki had also been members of the World Champion U19 side earlier in the year. This valuable experience saw Quentin as an obvious choice to lead this young team. Quentin also had an opportunity to earn his first cap for the Makos coming off the bench to cap off a great year for him. In Quentin’s absence the team was ably lead by his vice captains Joe Wheeler, James Marshall and Ammon Matuauto.

Also donning the jersey for the first time this year was Paul Norris, Nathan Va’auli, Aifala Taelega, Ryan Shelford, Tyler McKinnon Stevenson, Denis Pili, Laster Aleiki and Rob Clymer.

The continuity from 2006 was assured by the return of Wayne Caldwell, James Clark, Ben Norton, Ryan Pigou, Joe Wheeler, Lee Nelmes, Jimmy Giles, Shaun Begg, Gareth McIlroy, Ammon Matuauto, Greg Blick, David Pope and Matt Jacket. And due their age we had the ability to loan Robbie Flynn and Sione Holani from the Mako squad when required.

The Team Management forged a successful team in their own right: Coaching team made up of Gary Stevens & Bill Liddell; the Managers Wayne Love & Dave McCormick; and the fitness group of Trainer Simon Thomas and Physio Dawn Charmers. The group gelled together and kept the team well motivated and focused on their tasks at hand.

Game Scores:
45-5 Vs Tasman Maori (Warm Up) – 19th August
52-10 Vs Marlborough – 1st September
26-22 Vs Wellington U21 – 9th September
35-22 Vs Tri-Services – 21st September
41-44 Vs Canterbury U21 – 6th October

2007 TASMAN RUGBY UNION U21 SQUAD
Central
Quentin MacDonald, Adam Goldsworthy (Retired Injured), David Pope
Harlequins
Ben Norton (Retired Injured), Joe Wheeler, Ryan Pigou
Marist
Tyler McKinnon-Stevenson
Moutere
Wayne Caldwell, Greg Blick, Fo’ou Tiueti
Nelson
Aifala Taelega, Daniell Hyatt, Tevita Koloamatangi, James Marshall, Kevin Moore (Retired Injured), Matt Jacket
Riwaka
Paul Norris, Ryan Shelford, Denis Pili
Stoke
Shaun Begg, Gareth McIlroy, Ammon Matuauto, Sione Holani
Waimea Old Boys
James Clark, Simon Dobson, Lee Nelmes, Luke Hughes
Waitohi
James Giles
Wanderers
Rob Clymer
Huia
Robbie Flynn
Nelson College
Nathan Va’auli, Ita Vaea