Invercargill Marist vs NZ Marist Colts

In fine but cool conditions at Miller Street, an Invercargill Marist side made up of Premier and Premier B players, plus a couple of guests from POB  took on an enthusiastic NZ Marist Colts team featuring our own Kaydis Hona.

INVERCARGILL MARIST XV 29 – NZ MARIST COLTS 24

The NZ team hadn’t toured south for a number of years and the crowd was treated to an entertaining, free flowing game of rugby. Both teams elected to move the ball and play an attacking brand of footy.

It was the hosts who dominated the early exchanges and this led to a couple of early tries on the edges to take a 10-0 lead. NZ Marist hit back though to close the gap to 10-7, before a try just before halftime meant Invercargill Marist XV took a 15-7 lead at the half.

The second half saw NZ Marist start to come alive and their youthful legs started to dominate proceedings as the home sides legs began to tire. With seven minutes to go a penalty gave NZ Marist a 24-22 lead. However the locals were not going down easily, and a nice scrum move led to Alatini Vaihu running 40 metres for the match winner, handing Invercargill Marist XV a 29-24 win.

Both teams played a great game and put on a great spectacle for the crowd who turned out. A big thanks to Dan and Craig from Pirates-Oldboys RFC for answering the call and lacing up for the game, showing what great men they are among the Southland rugby community. Thanks to all who organised and played their part in making the game a success on and off the field. All the best to the NZ Marist Colts side for the rest of their South Island tour.