Rugby: Joy as St Michael's go up

Marist St Michael's player Jesse Kondrote scoots away for a try against Kahukura at the Marist grounds on Saturday. Photo / Ben Fraser

Marist St Michael's Rugby and Sports Club celebrated their 80th anniversary in style with their 1st XV being promoted into Premier Two in dramatic fashion.

The side beat Kahukura 29-12 at home on Saturday with a bonus points win, leaving them equal on points with Rangiuru. However, Marist were promoted as they won the clash between the teams in round six.

They move up with local sides Ngongotaha who finished first in Division 1 and Waikite in third.

They will be joined by Whakarewarewa who dropped down from the Premier division after Greerton Marist snatched a vital bonus point in their loss to Rotoiti to take the last space in the top eight of the competition.

Marist St Michael's president Sean Defarias said it was the perfect way for the club to celebrate its jubilee weekend but it was a "heart-stopping" wait to find out as results had to be clarified by the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

"It was unbelievable. We were made to wait for the news but when it did come everyone was over the moon," he said.

"It really was the icing on the cake to what was a brilliant club celebration, and the team really deserved it because they stepped up their performance.

"We really pushed for that bonus try and everyone supported each other in all areas of the pitch.

"It's going to be a real challenge playing some of the teams in the next round. We'll take one game at a time because we still have a long way to go."

Marist St Michael's will now battle it out against the three local teams and Poroporo who finished second in Division 1 whilst Arataki, Opotiki and Paroa complete the final eight after all dropping down.

The new competition will start this weekend with all teams starting afresh and it will be a difficult challenge for Marist St Michael's to contend for one of the four promotion spots into Premier One for next season.

But coach Mike Lewis is relishing the prospect and has targeted the Whakarewarewa clash as the most difficult game on the fixture list.

"It's great to have so many Rotorua clubs fighting it out, and it will make the games fantastic to watch," he said. "A lot of work has to be put in to step up but I have faith in the players and as long as we stick to game plans and work hard we can get results.

"The Whaka game will certainly be one to watch. They were very unlucky to drop down and they now have a big point to prove. We have to compete in every single game and hopefully we can take the club's positivity into the competition."

Over the weekend the club hosted celebratory activities including a formal dinner where former player and current New Zealand Sevens coach Sir Gordon Tietjens gave a speech.

And Defarias believes Marist St Michael's will go from strength to strength especially because of its emphasis on youth.

"So many positive comments and feedback came from this wonderful weekend, it was certainly one we won't forget in a hurry," he said.

"The club is always looking to expand, and we put a lot of hard work into the youth section which is where the future is. We will most definitely be here in another 80 years to come going stronger than ever I'm sure."

Final standings from round one of the Baywide competition

Baywide Premier Points:

Mount Maunganui Sports 47, Whakatane Marist 40, Tauranga Sports 40, Te Puke Sports 37, Te Puna 34, Rangataua 31, Rotoiti 28, Greerton Marist 27, Whakarewarewa 27, Arataki 7, Opotiki 7, Paroa 4.

Baywide Division One Points:

Ngongotaha 39, Poroporo 38, Waikite 33, Marist St Michael's 31, Rangiuru 31, Judea 29, Te Teko 24, Kahukura 11, Papamoa 10, Katikati 10, Ruatoki 9.