Football: Fans lap up Marist glory on live stream

The smiles on the faces of the Napier Marist team says it all. Photo/John Norris

The fans were watching from Fiji, Hawaii, Scotland and even a hospital thanks to live streaming so it was only appropriate Napier Marist didn't let them down when they clinched the club's fourth Hawke's Bay premier men's title.

The Alexander Electric Napier Marist FC beat Duke of Gloucester Napier City Rovers 2-1 in the Park Island derby of the Computer Care Pacific Premiership on Saturday.

It was the first time Marist had lifted the soccer trophy since 2001 and, to add fizz to the accomplishment, they still have four rounds to go in the league.

"In the end we've done the job. We've won nine on the spin after losing in the first round when we were two points behind Rovers and Port Hill," said delighted Marist coach Jamie Dunning of a side who boast 12 wins, a draw and a loss to date.

They were trailing 1-0 on Saturday when midfielder Josh Murphy (in the golden boot race with 19) equalised 1-all, much to his relief after missing a penalty kick minutes earlier.

"It shows you how much character and mental strength the boys have these days," said Dunning.

Substitute striker Thomas Tidy scored the winner in the 68th minute.

"It's been a long time coming so it's a great feeling at the end of the game," the coach said, revealing they partied hard and long overnight.

Top Blokes Productions streamed the game. Team manager Mark Jones watched the game while holidaying in Fiji and ditto for player Jake Murphy in Hawaii. Life member Bill Dick watched the action from his hospital bed and Chris Hendry, the club's new contact at Celtic FC in Glasgow, was also glued to the screen.

"I spoke to Bill after the game and he watched it from the hospital bed and was over the moon so he has the best wishes from the club for a speedy recovery because he's a great man who started the club," Dunning said.

At the end of the season Marist protagonists will sit down to see where they will go from the premiership, especially if the Havelock North Wanderers gain promotion to the Lotto Central League as Lotto Federation League champions on Saturday.

"Chrissy G [Wanderers coach Chris Greatholder] has done a fantastic job in seeing another Bay team in contention for Central League so, hopefully, we can do that as a club with a great junior club and a partnership with Celtic FC in Glasgow."

Dunning, who as deputised for Thirsty Whale Hawke's Bay United coach Brett Angell last summer and was at the helm when they claimed a memorable win over Auckland City FC here, thanked the Marist club for its support in the Pacific Premiership in winter.