Marist fight back can’t reel in Greytown

Greytown-Marist clashes have been closely fought encounters in recent seasons, and today’s round three match-up was no different.

The defending champions prevailed 26-22, but with a few more minutes on the clock the result could have easily gone the other way.

As it was, Marist were left wondering what if, had they taken their opportunities in the first half.

The home team scored 20-unanswered points in the opening forty, including two converted tries and two penalties. Despite not being able to get over the try-line Marist had plenty of opportunity to put themselves on the scoreboard, turning down four relatively straight forward shots at goal.

Their thirst and determination to go for the big money was admirable, but ultimately it proved costly.

Playing contrasting styles Greytown settled for percentage rugby and took the points when on offer. Marist on the other were always willing to chance their arm, launching counter-attacks from deep inside their own territory. It was an approach that produced some attractive running rugby in the second half.

Wing Caine Osborne opened the scoring within minutes of the match getting underway. A conversion and then a brace of penalties from Nick Olson and Greytown were up 13-nil inside the first 10-minutes.

Marist responded with a strong period of play that went unrewarded, turning down several gift three-pointers. They were made to pay and by the half hour mark Greytown had posted 20-points when loose forward Chaz Matthews scored in the corner.

With a man still in the bin, Greytown were slow to start the second half and within minutes of the kick-off Marist had scored in the corner. Full-back Malatai Malatai broke through on the over-lap and with the try line beneath him popped the ball over to little brother Soli Malatai to dot down for the five pointer.

Another 15 minutes later, Malatai Malatai went from provider to scorer finishing off a good run by crossing over in the tackle.

Goodgers’ conversion narrowed the gap to eight points and when a shot at goal was on offer with 15-minutes to play Marist took it and it was game on.

That seem to lift Greytown’s intensity as they pushed forward earning two penalties in handy kicking range, both converted by Olson.

But Marist weren’t done and scored a terrific try, starting with a strong break by centre Leo Eneliko, finished off by young prop Ryan Hargood.

With time almost up the visitors launched an attack from inside their own try-line which had Greytown scrambling in defence. Despite the clock showing a couple of minutes left, referee Shay O’Gorman blew full-time ending any hope of a last gasp win for the visitors

In other matches, Gladstone nudged out Martinborough 22-20, Carterton beat Eketahuna 32-27 and Pioneer downed East Coast 41-21.