Horan-Millar Trophy stays at Marist St Pats
The Horan-Millar Trophy will return to Hataitai after our Premiers beat Poneke by 25-12 on a blustery afternoon at Kilbirnie Park.
Our Premiers crossed the road knowing they would have a strong wind at their back for the first half. With gusts of over 100kph the wind was going to be an important factor in the game. Despite having that benefit, the Red Machine found it hard to get out of their half for the first 20 minutes before two tries came in quick succession to Viliame Saukuru and debutant Tomasi Connor. This gave Marist St Pats a 13-0 lead at the break.
Over the half time break, the Marist St Pats faithful discussed whether this would be enough turning into the wind. After some half time instructions, the team put their head down and held onto the ball for long passages. Nick Harrison crashed over 15 minutes into the second half to give the team a solid 20-0 lead.
Continued attack resulted in a bonus point try to Rique Miln 10 minutes later and the lead looked unassailable at 25-0 with 10 minutes to play. Poneke scored two tries in the final 10 minutes but it was too little too late. The Premiers head out to Petone next weekend after improving their season record to six wins and three losses.
Earlier on Kilbirnie Park, it was a different story for our Premier Reserves. Poneke had first use of the wind and made the most of it jumping out to a strong lead early and never relinquishing it. Final score 10-62.
All other grades had the long weekend off.
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