Horan-Millar Trophy returns to Hataitai
Our Premiers have won a thrilling game against neighbours Poneke on a mild afternoon at Kilbirnie Park, overcoming a 12-22 deficit to take a 42-28 victory. Earlier our Colts and Premier Reserve sides retained their unbeaten records with wins over Tawa and Poneke respectively.
After both sides suffering upset losses last weekend, all eyes were on the 'Battle of Kilbirnie' between Marist St Pats and Poneke for the Horan-Millar Trophy. The home side came out firing, controlling most of the first half possession, but MSP took advantage of the few opportunities they were given to keep the score close at half time albeit trailing 17-22.
As has become a regular occurence this season the Red Machine came out firing in the second half, scoring some outstanding tries and stunning the Street Kids who would have been pleased with their first half performance. They were expertly led round the field by James Proctor who turned in a man of the match performance at the pivot, scoring two tries and 17 overall points.
This win secures our place in the Jubilee Cup round (for the 44th consecutive year!)
Following the match a big crowd headed upstairs to the Poneke Clubrooms, including a number of the Horan family, to see the coveted trophy presented. Flanker Tom Horan accepted the trophy on behalf of Marist St Pats after scoring a try in his first game for the trophy that bears his family name.
Our Premier Reserves flexed their muscles against Poneke who were third on the table, showing why they are favourites to claim the Harper Lock Shield. After taking a 19-3 lead into the halftime break they put the foot down in the second half scoring a number of long range tries to win 52-10.
In an earlier 12.30pm kick off the Colts travelled to Tawa where they earned their sixth consecutive victory winning 25-19. They are in pole position on the Paris Memorial Trophy table with a round to play.
Our Premier Women had a bye.
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