Big forwards power to win

Mid Northern's forward pack proved to be too powerful for Marist to handle, leading them to a 22-6 win - their first away win of the competition - at Kensington Park yesterday.
The Hukerenui-based side were coming off an energy-sapping victory against Hikurangi on Friday night and although they rotated some players, most were backing up against a Marist side who were still fresh after a bye on Saturday.
The Mid Northern forwards led the way after Marist had matched them in the early stages of the game, winning a wealth of possession but the visitors weren't always convincing on attack.
"It was always going to be a bit scrappy, I think, after a tough game on Friday and there was only a couple of changes made for today's game, so we wanted five points but Marist were up for it today and we couldn't quite finish off," Mid Northern skipper Jason Hammond said.
The Marist forwards - although totally outclassed in the set-pieces - were hungrier in and around the breakdown and managed to spoil Mid Northern ball and pick up plenty of penalties that kept their side in the match.
"They were beating us to the breakdown and our boys weren't quite committed enough in that area but a win is a win and we'll take it," Hammond said.
Second-five  Jack Walker kicked two penalties to push Marist out to a 6-0 lead but Mid Northern flyhalf David Holwell countered with a try, a conversion and a penalty for his side to lead 10-6 at the break.
Mid Northern continued to dominate as in the first spell, with Brad Taylor stealing Marist line-out ball at will, while their front row sent the green pack marching backwards at scrum time but still Marist's goal-line defence continued to frustrate the visitors.
Another failed assault saw Marist clear their line with a long clearing kick but as Antony Abel ran the ball back, he fended off his tackler allowing him the space to set Thomas Williams free for a try.
Midway through the spell they scored their third try after flanker Matt Gunson stole the ball from Marist halfback Beau Dickins as he tried to clear the ball from another retreating scrum in his own 22. Gunson fed Karaan Going, who set up the ruck and Nick Lake, who had just come on as a replacement was too powerful a metre from the line.
Mid Northern tried for the bonus point try but the effort proved too much as Marist  finished  well.
Results:  Mid Northern 22 (D. Holwell, T. Williams, N. Lake tries; Holwell pen, 2 con), Marist 6 (J. Walker 2 pen).