Mayor's Message: Shield fever hits region

Our Mighty Mako winning rugby’s most prized trophy, the Ranfurly Shield, for the first time last Saturday at McLean Park was historic. We can take great pride that the first game of rugby played in New Zealand was at the Botanic Gardens in 1870. But, despite many shield challenges, the famous Log o’ Wood has eluded our city.

The atmosphere at the game against the Hawke’s Bay Magpies was electric. Those of us in red and blue were outnumbered by the black and white 100-1. Our Mako and their Magpies had won all four of their games this season in the Bunnings NPC. The Mako dominated the first half only for the Magpies to come back during the second. With the score at 24-22 to the Magpies and a minute on the clock, I feared another not-quite moment for our Tasman Mako. Watching Campbell Parata’s penalty sail between the posts to secure the shield 25-24 will be etched in my memory forever.

This victory belongs to our 23-member Mako team so ably led by Captain Quinten Strange. These guys get out of bed at ridiculous hours and several commute over the Whangamoa Saddle for daily training. I also pay credit to Coach Gray Cornelius and the Tasman Rugby Union Board. I acknowledge the dozens of players and TRU coaches and officials from both sides of the hill who have built this side since the inspirational decision in 2005 to merge our top of the south unions. The foundation of our Mako success is the hundreds of volunteers who support school and club rugby across the region. The depth of talent has been reinforced by the stunning success of our Nelson College First XV this season, which bodes well for the future of our Mako.

I encourage Nelsonians to get behind our Mako as they defend the Log o’ Wood and aim to win the NPC. The team has a giant target on its back and every other union will be after some Mako blood. On Sunday at 2.05pm, they take on Wellington at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim. Then it’s Auckland (2 October at 7.05pm) and Taranaki (6 October at 2.05pm), both at Trafalgar Park. Winning all three would take Mako to another level and allow us to keep the Log o’ Wood over the summer. Fins Up.