BLUES v STAR
The heavy rain of Tuesday morning cleared making it a still and warm night for the first game of the 2018 Go Bus Premier Club Rugby competition. Blues and Star had arguably evenly matched teams both with new additions to their forwards and backs. Star put pressure on Blues early with carrying strong and moving the ball quickly and taking advantage of mistakes with one run away try. Star had full opportunity to pile on the points after a red card to Blues Mitch Taylor in the first half. Despite playing with 14 men for the majority of the game, Blues stepped up and held most of the possession for the second half. With kicking from Jay Renton, Blues pulled within 3 points however choosing the lineout option over safety of points possibly cost them the game but managed a bonus point with the final score of 20-17 to Star. Blues coaching staff are incredibly proud of how the players rose to the challenge over playing one man down and have plenty to take from the match up. Bring on round 2.
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MARIST v WOODLANDS
The Kelvin Hotel Marist Premiers commenced the 2018 season with a Wednesday night game against Woodlands with Woodlands hosting. It was a perfect night for rugby with both good weather and a good playing surface. Woodlands started the better of both teams taking an early lead before Marist however through tries to Phil Halder and Bryce Morgan and penalty goals to Scott Eade took a 19-6 lead into half time.Woodlands asked plenty of questions of the marist defence. Joe Walsh carried strongly, new recruit haflback Nico Costa challenged often around the ruck and 2017 Stags outside back Lewis Ormond was always a threat in the width. In the second half both teams traded tries and Woodlands were able to apply more pressure when Phil Halder was sent to the bin for ten minutes. Marist rallied well at the end and finished with a try right on full time to take the game out 31-16. Tries to Phil Halder, Bryce Morgan, Alatini Vaihu, Flynn Thomas and 3 Penalty Goals and a conversion to Scott Eade. Marist Man of the Match was Shaun Stodart. Next game is against Blues at Marist Saturday 7 April with the Development Team playing prior.
PIRATES OLD-BOYS v ENC BARBARIANS
Pirates kicked their session off with a hard fought game against the Barbarians. It was a game that Pirates never really got into their stride and structure as they made too many simple handling mistakes. Poor discipline caused them to be heavily penalised resulting in Ben Keenan been given 10 minutes off the park with only 30mins gone. Barbarians played simple rugby and almost pitched a tent in POB’s territory. Pirates did however tackle their hearts out and did well only to be down 6-0 at half time. The theme of poor discipline continued to throughout the second half which resulted in Pirates just defending their line with elements of great scrambling defence. But, with the consistent pressure from the Barbarians took its toll enabling them to keep the scoreboard ticking over. In the end, the Barbarians were the better side on the day with the scoreline 24-5. Stand out performances went to Craig Smith who worked hard all game, Ben Keenan was tireless as usual and half back Ethan Holland put in a solid performance for his whole time on the park. POB looked like they needed that game to gel and settle as a team, they have identified areas for improvement and will only do so as the season progresses.
Source: Rugby Southland.