Marist Brothers are raising their hands as serious title contenders in the 2012 Whangarei City and Districts Rugby League competition.
Although suffering a 32-20 loss to last year's premiers Hikurangi Stags at Otaika Sports Park in Saturday's second round, they never gave up and were a constant threat for nearly
80 minutes of football.
"We met last year's premiers early in the season and for 80 per cent of the of the game we had the opportunity to win it," said proud coach Chris Langley.
Hikurangi started strong and consistent, scoring two quick tries that put Marist on the back foot in the opening 10 minutes.
But Langley's side - featuring eight players from 2011 and the rest newcomers - were determined not to have a repeat of last season's wooden spoon performance.
They fought back hard, with rugby convert five-eighth Hunia Kingi running in a try making use of a strong forward pack, containing recent Auckland transfers Jasper Apoua and Victor Mafi.
They were joined by the experienced Joe Clyde and skipper Mike Laiman among others, who started the new season with the same strong form they showed last year, Langley said. Hikurangi struck back at Marist but another try from the Brother's hooker Tyler Fiaui and a conversion from Witaiawa Thompson saw the brethren trailing by only eight (18-10) at halftime.
Tries were scored by Chris Apoua and Davro Howe but Marist's second-half performance was marred with costly errors.
The ever-consistent Caleb Wihongi-Henare was impressive, scoring several tries for Hikurangi, while Waipu Stone and Imrahn Wihongi-Henare were also solid - the trio were instrumental in their side's 12 point victory.
"We had a couple of opportunities which we blew due to the slippery ball and wet conditions, we blew three possible tries right on the line. Hikurangi showed their experience by keeping their heads but we showed we could be a threat this season, " Langley said.
Langley also coached Marist last season in the club's first year back in the local league competition.
He was delighted with Marist's first hit out of the year - Hora Hora defaulted to the Brothers in round one.
"Our goal this year is to see progress each week, and hopefully after 20-odd weeks of games, we will be up there," he said.
In other matches, Portland dominated newcomers Hora Hora, also played at Otaika Sports Park, winning their game 52-18.
Takahiwai were pipped by City 20-28, while Moerewa triumphed over Otaua 32-20. Kaitaia Falcons provided the big upset of the round, thrashing title heavyweights Kaikohe Lions 20-50 and Bay Slayers beat Wairoa 32-30. Hokianga had the bye this week.
See more photos from this event in the photo gallery on www.northernadvocate.co.nz