Premiers battle to thrilling draw at Wainuiomata
Trainspotters out there may take note of an uncanny occurence over the past three weeks where the results of the Marist St Pats Premier side have mirrored those of the touring British and Irish Lions of whose colours we share.
Following a loss and a win in the two weeks preceding our side fought their way from behind on the scoreboard to earn a draw on Saturday - albeit in fairly different circumstances to that at Eden Park.
Our Premiers found themselves behind by 7-21 at William Jones Park following an outstanding opening 35 minutes from the home side who held big advantages of territory and possession. At the 35 minute mark captain and standout flanker Isaac O'Connor was shown a red card after the touch judge on the far side of the field brought an incident to the attention of the referee.
As the teams broke for oranges its fair to say most would have written the Red Machine off as they had barely seen the ball and surely would struggle with a man off the field. But this Marist St Pats side showed some real ticker refusing to roll over and instead asserting some authority on the game.
The territory and possession reversed and the visitors scored unanswered tries to James Zino and Fa'atonu Fili (video of the latter below) tied the game at 24-all. Unfortunately a penalty from the ensuing kick off game Wainui the advantage once more.
Despite best efforts and repeated attacks, the home side managed to get the red attackers inches short of a game winning try but with time expiring gave away a penalty directly infront of their posts. Andrew Wells calmly slotted the points and the teams were forced to share the competition points.
Our Premiers still sit second on the table but with a very close competition will be looking to secure a semi final spot with a win over Northern United at Jerry Collins Stadium next weekend.
In the early game at William Jones Park the Premier Reserve sides also fought out a close match with Isaia Petelo returning from injury to score the match winning try.
Our Women held an early lead over their OBU counterparts but couldn't hold it and gave up the lead late in the second half.
The Colts traveled to Paremata-Plimmerton where after weeks of close losses they got in the winners column this weekend.
In the only club derby of the season the Under 85kg Reds beat the Greens on the Artificial Turf.
- Premiers drew with Wainuiomata 24-24
- Premier Reserves beat Wainuiomata 24-21
- Women lost to Old Boys-University by 28-29
- Colts beat Paremata-Plimmerton by 34-32
- First Grade won by default to Northern United
- Reserve Internationals beat Western Suburbs by 32-26
- Under 85kg Reds beat Under 85kg Greens by 54-17
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