Marist beat the Eastern Northern Barbarians 33-25 in the Southland premier club competition on Saturday.
The Barbarians were coming off a big win over Star but Marist was determined to put in a good performance and earn a much-needed win.
Due to the heavy rain during the week the game was moved to Les George Oval to give the Marist field at Miller St a break before its club centenary in a fortnight.
The Barbarians led 13-7 at halftime and extended that lead after the break with a converted try. Marist then held on to possession, and for the first time this season strung multiple phases together which enabled it to score the next four tries.
Marist coach Marty Smith said the Barbarians played well and the game was touch and go for his side.
“It was anyone’s game. Their forwards rolled up their sleeves but they also put it through the hands and used the wide channels,’’ he said.
No8 Ben Fotheringham and blindside Flynn Thomas led the Marist forward pack and all followed.
The Marist scrum and lineout operated well, as tighthead prop Reuben Northover made a big impact in his comeback game.
Marist centre Tevita Latu and wing Curtis Tarrant impressed onlookers, while Scott Eade’s punting was also of huge benefit, keeping the Barbarians dangerous rolling maul out of Marist territory.
Coach Smith also had high praise for back Jeremy Boyle.
“Jeremy did a good job at first five until he got a yellow card, then when he came back on he scored a try on the wing. He’s a great asset to our team.”
In the other two games Woodlands put in an improved performance to beat Invercargill Blues 24-22, while Pirates Old Boys kept its unbeaten record intact. It had a big 71-12 win over Midlands at Surrey Park. Star had the bye this week.
In the headline match in the division one competition, Wyndham beat near neighbours Edendale 21-18. Michael Robinson had the last say with a clutch dropped goal in the 80th minute to take the win and the Wallis Shield in the process.
In the division two competition, Drummond Limehills Star posted a 97-7 win over Ohai Nightcaps Otautau.
- John Langford
