Rugby: Marist make a statement with key win

Former Highlanders winger Tino Nemani makes a break for Greerton Marist against Tauranga Sports.Photo/Andrew Warner

Greerton Marist knocked over Tauranga Sports for the first time at Greerton Park on Saturday and sent a warning to the rest of the Bayfair Baywide premier teams.

In the form they showed to beat Tauranga 28-24, and particularly the resolve to keep their defensive line in the final frantic play of the match, Greerton Marist are the real deal in 2014.

In a complete team performance, Joe Tupe took the individual honours with a barnstorming performance after coming on at halftime. Last years Bay of Plenty squad member scored two tries, was outstanding on defence, and played a key role in holding out Tauranga as the defending champions looked for the final-play match winner.

Greertons openside Dan van der Berg, and player of the day No 8 Joe Keys, were also hugely important in the win. as was first-five Tim OMalley, who kicked for goal accurately and controlled play well for Greerton. He opened the scoring with the first of his three first-half penalties, but Tauranga Sports looked in charge playing into a stiff breeze.

A typically direct burst from second-five Aifai Esera gave him an easy run in for Tauranga's first try, and he set up the second for replacement winger George Honey before the break.

Trailing by 14-9, Greerton started the second stanza into the wind but quickly took control with Tupes first try coming in the opening minute. Up 16-14, Greerton then scored again with another multi-phase try finished off by No8 Keys before Tupe then broke Tauranga with an intercept and 60m sprint to the line.

Greerton were leading 28-14 but the spirit and experience of the defending Baywide champions showed as Tauranga went up a gear. First-five Paul Morris kicked a penalty, then outstanding new centre Byron McGuigan made a slashing break to put Philip Togotogorua in under the bar.

Greerton had to hold on to the 28-24 lead for three minutes and did so, just, despite being a man down after a yellow card was awarded for a tip tackle.

The final whistle was greeted with delight by the Greerton players and loyal supporters, who have waited a long time to tick the winning box against Tauranga Sports.

With former Auckland rep Teddy Stanaway in top form for Mount Maunganui, the Bays midfield stocks are enhanced further after McGuigans performance. The 24-year-old was born in Namibia and has played for Border in South Africa, Scotland Sevens and Glasgow Warriors.

He has made his own way to the Bay to try and make it into the Steamers squad for this years ITM Cup. On this form he will be a real asset.

Greerton Marist 28 (Joe Tupe 2, Joe Keys tries; Tim OMalley 2 cons, 3 pens) Tauranga Sports 24 (Aifai Esera, George Honey, Philip Togotogorua tries; Paul Morris 3 cons).