Saturday rugby got underway yesterday as both the Kelvin Hotel Marist Premier and AWS Legal Premier Development played their first home games of the season. Kelvin Hotel Marist took on a young and exciting Blues outfit at Miller Street.

Marist dominated the first half using the wind to their advantage and spent long periods attacking inside Blues 22. Marist were guilty of missing several chances due to errors however were rewarded when some good inter play down the left side led to Flynn Thomas scoring under the posts to make it 7-nil. That lead was extended to 12-0 when Marist again found space down the left-hand side of the field after a good build up with Phil Halder scoring.

The second half was a completely different story as Marist made a large number of uncharacteristic handling errors allowing Blues to get into the game and build phases and they were rewarded with a try. Another Marist break out led to Alatini Vaihu crossing to make the score 19-7. Blues were by no means done though, scoring shortly after to make the score 19-14. The last five minutes of the game saw Marist holding on by the skin of their teeth. Some staunch defence managed to keep Blues out. Final score Marist 19 Blues 14. Player of the day for Marist was Flynn Thomas.

AWS Legal Marist Development took on Blues Development in the curtain raiser and got off to a great start when pivot Jordan Coutts slotted a penalty. Blues hit straight back but Marist were able to reply not long after to take an 8-7 lead. Unfortunately for Marist this is where the scoring stopped, and a strong and well drilled Blues side were able to run in a number of tries to stretch the lead. Final score Marist 8 Blues 71. Player of the day for Marist was Dom Sipa. The Marist Development team has a number of new young players in 2018 and have so far only managed to have one training, so a few more practises and no doubt the wins will come!

Thank you to all supporters who turned out and we hope to see you next Saturday April 14th as our Premier & Development teams play at home against Pirates Old-Boys.

Congratulations to Reuben Northover who was presented his blazer by Coach Marty Smith recognising the achievement of playing 30 games for the Premier Team. Reuben is an asset to the club both off the field and on the field in the tighthead prop position.

Story and photos: Marist Rugby Club.

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