Resurgent Marist cruise to victory

Schools Rugby

Marist under-10s turned on the fireworks when Wairarapa-Bush JAB rugby matches continued last weekend.

Having lost to Pioneer in their previous match, Marist were keen to up the ante when they took on a well-drilled Eketahuna Yellow and an evenly contested first half ended with Eketahuna leading 20-15.

The message from Marist coaches Andy McHardy and Shaun Gray at half-time was for their team to shut down the Eketahuna attack and they responded splendidly to that challenge, keeping Eketahuna scoreless in the second spell while running in some spectacular tries themselves with a mix of speed and excellent teamwork.

Marist won 65-20 with their sportsman of the day award going to Jack McHardy, who spearheaded the improved tackling effort in the second half.

Marist under-11s came up against Rams and, while they lost, they won deserved plaudits for their determination.

Player of the day was Melbourne Dean-Pene.

Marist under-9s also found the going tough, losing to Martinborough by a comfortable margin, but their stickability could never be questioned.

Sean Blenkin was player of the day. In the under-6 grade, Marist White lost to Rams with the youngest member of the side - Leroy Manesa, just 3 years of age - being named player of the day.

He has a remarkable skill set for one of his age.

Marist Green took on Pioneer and their player of the day was Austin Grant, who made several strong runs and used his pace to score a memorable try.