Marist score narrow victory

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Publication title: Southland Express

The Scruffy Butt Memorial Shield will be on offer at Woodlands; the shield adds extra motivation to a game that already had some extra attitude to it after both sides were beaten last weekend

Marist provided the highlight in round three when they beat Woodlands 40-37.

In perfect field conditions at Miller St, Marist led 26-24 at halftime. Woodlands took the lead but Marist had good crowd support and enough self-belief to finish strongest and secure the bonus point win.

Marist coach Derek Manson said the entire Marist team contributed to the victory but the standout player was loose forward Jackson Bevin.

“He carried the ball strongly and made plenty of metres, he was strong in defence as well.”

Manson said the set-piece was a bit back and forth.

“Our scrum was getting pushed around but our replacement prop Tangaroa Walker earned a scrum penalty near the end, when it really mattered.”

Marist first five Henry Earland had a good first half before getting injured; former Stag Scotty Eade was an able replacement.

The Eastern Northern Barbarians beat Star 37-22 in the fourth senior game of the afternoon at the Gore Showgrounds.

Barbarians coach Bretton Taylor said it was a really good day for club footy.

“The big crowd provided an atmosphere, the teams had excellent support and the clubrooms were chocker.”

Star had won both of their games this season and started this match confidently by scoring three unconverted tries in the first 20 minutes. The locals stayed in the fight and clawed their way back to lead 24-15 at halftime.

Taylor was happy to see his side finish the game best and get the maximum five competition points. “Our first 20 minutes was a bit slow but the last 60 was really pleasing, our set piece functioned well, it was a good platform for a good team performance.”

Stags prop Morgan Mitchell excelled again, lock Woody Kirkwood led a good lineout, loose forwards Caine Taylor and Leroy Ferguson continued their good form, while midfielders Ryan McFaul and Vitali Roqica and fullback Ben McCarthy were best of the backs.

Star coach Brayden Mitchell said his boys played really well in the first 20 minutes. “We were on the front foot, but then we were not that smart, we tried to play in the wrong areas and they shut us down.

“Their forwards were good, we fronted up well at the scrum...