Rugby: Wanganui Marist Stallions finish 7th at NZ Junior Festival

The Marist Stallions pose with the Papatoetoe Avengers after their NZ Junior Rugby Festival game in Taupo on Saturday.

The Marist Stallions Under 12's finished in the top half of the competition against the best from Wellington and Auckland at the New Zealand Junior Rugby Festival in Taupo at the weekend.

Unbeaten champions of their Wanganui rugby club grade, the Stallions finished second in a tough Pool A, having played the likes of Auckland Marist and Wellington's Marist St Pat's.

That put them into the Top 8 part of the draw for the finals on Saturday and Sunday.

Manager Ricky Lee said they started strong with a win over Mount Sports from Mount Maunganui, the Bay of Plenty U12 champions.

"Nehemia Su'a cross over for two tries and several tight heads won in scrums by hooker Mackenzie Lee, which helped keep the Mount team scoreless."

That put them up against Auckland U12 champions the Papatoetoe Avengers, and despite strong performances from No 8 Harvey Wallace and fullback Malcolm Nahona, they were beaten 14-0.

"The Avengers, a small but dominating team, continued through the rest of the finals unbeaten to win the final over YMP and keep their unbeaten record intact for the entire season," said Lee.

The Stallions ultimately finished tied for seventh overall, keeping them in the top half of the tournament standings, a strong achievement for the Marty Bullock and Richie Campbell-coached side after Marist pitted themselves against champions from the larger unions.

"The Marist Stallions are a club team in which they only field one U12 side in local competition, whereas many of the other clubs have multiple teams from each grade they can draw from to create a 'super club' team," said Lee.

"Huge thanks to all the sponsors, supporters, the families and especially David Jones Motors, our biggest sponsor, for getting the boys there safety and back."