A Whanganui Marist XI was pushed well out of its comfort zone, but rose the challenge when runner-up to a Central Federation side after the final of the annual New Zealand Marist Football Tournament in Auckland last weekend.
Traditionally there are three divisions at the annual tournament - Open grade, Casual and Masters.
However, with limited numbers competing in Birkenhead this season only an Open division and a Master's grade were available, forcing Whanganui Marist to make the step up.
The majority of the side included players from the Marist team that competed in the Division 1 Whanganui men's league, although four over-50s were seconded from the Division 2 Marist Casuals and two from the Marist Shamrocks.
Under tournament rules, each side was allowed two ring-ins each and the team had Wanganui Athletic player Scott Burney and Michael Davidson from Christchurch.