Whanganui Marist make their national final

Whanganui Marist exceeded expectations when stepping up to open grade and finish second at the New Zealand Marist Football Tournament in Auckland last weekend.

A Whanganui Marist XI was pushed well out of its comfort zone, but rose the challenge when runner-up to a Central Federation side after the final of the annual New Zealand Marist Football Tournament in Auckland last weekend.

Traditionally there are three divisions at the annual tournament - Open grade, Casual and Masters.

However, with limited numbers competing in Birkenhead this season only an Open division and a Master's grade were available, forcing Whanganui Marist to make the step up.

The majority of the side included players from the Marist team that competed in the Division 1 Whanganui men's league, although four over-50s were seconded from the Division 2 Marist Casuals and two from the Marist Shamrocks.

Under tournament rules, each side was allowed two ring-ins each and the team had Wanganui Athletic player Scott Burney and Michael Davidson from Christchurch.

Player/manager Paul Maguire said while they entered as a competitive squad, the step from Casual grade to Open at national Marist level was a daunting prospect.

On opening day Saturday, Whanganui Marist took on Palmerston North Marist Banshees, beating them 3-0, then dealt to Wellington Marist 1-0 before a 1-0 victory over Palmerston North Marist Grelts.

On Sunday they drew 1-1 with Birkenhead Barons & Hibernian to make the Symbiosis Cup final against Palmerston North Marist.

"We went 2-0 down in the first half to a very good Central Federation side, Palmerston North Marist," Maguire said.

"In the second half, we came out fighting.

"Midfielder Taco Rangi had a bullet shot incredibly saved, and then Scott Burney finished a flowing movement to draw it back to 2-1.

"PN Marist then had a player sent off and from then on we peppered the Palmy goal repeatedly, only to be caught on the counter attack and concede with the last kick of the game."

Maguire said while the team could take pride in their runners-up medals, there was a feeling that they let one get away after starting slowly in the final.

"Nevertheless, the team exceeded expectations and will be stronger in 2018 when the tournament is held in Wellington," Maguire said.

The team wished to thanked Sport Whanganui for the use of their van for the trip.

The team included Paul Maguire, Michael Davidson, Jimmy O'Connor, Brad Alexander, Scott Burney, Jason Ditchfield, Russell Eades, Jordan Beech, Josh McDermott, Taco Rangi, Jordan McDonald, captain Brady O'Connor, Paul Miller, Ben Murphy, John McDonald, Craig Thorpe, Matt Roberts, Tom Dixon and goalkeeper Adam Murphy.