Marist take shield as Pirates struggle

Former WHS student Matt Ashworth scores try number two for Kaierau in a game that 2018 grand finalists Pirates would rather forget. 
PHOTO / Bevan Conley

Dave Hoskin Carriers Marist narrowly defeated Waverley Harvesting Border 27-25 for the Grand Hotel Challenge Shield at Dallison Park in Waverley on Saturday.

In round two of Tasman Tanning Premier rugby, one try made the difference for Marist with Simon Dibben, Josaia Bogileka, Emitai Logadraudrau and Jack Yarrall dotting down.

A penalty goal and two conversions by Marist's Ashton Coates were enough to get his team home as Border scored through Jason Myers, Josh Lennox and Neihana Pomana.

Two penalties and two conversions from Border's Nick Harding left the men from Waverley two points behind at the end and sitting three places off the bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, at Spriggens Park, Wanganui Car Centre Kaierau crushed 2018 grand finalists Black Bull Liqour Pirates 48-0.

Fafetetai Siona and Matt Ashworth each scored two tries for Kaierau while teammates Kohlt Coveney, Joe Edwards, Ethan Robinson and Sieko Kilisi all got one.

Shandon Scott successfully struck three conversions, while Josefa Rokotakaia also kicked one to finish a 31-point scoring second half for Kaierau.

The loss leaves Pirates second from the bottom of the table and still pointless in 2019.

At Memorial Park in Taihape it was another high-scoring thrashing as Byford's Readimix Taihape put 56 on the board to Round Motors Ratana's 0.

Tyler Rogers-Holden and Dylan Gallien had games to remember for Taihape, each scoring three tries while Dane Whale also came close to a hat-trick, scoring two.

Tremaine Gilbert and Ryan Karatau also dotted down for Taihape, while Whale also kicked two conversions and Jaye Flaws one.

The early rounds have been challenging for bottom placed Ratana who have scored only three points in two games with 147 scored against them.

In senior championship action Speirs Food Marton beat Black Bull Liqour Pirates 55-7, Kelso Hunterville overcame Marist Buffalo's 39-17, Waverley - Marist Celtic hammered Border 62-14, Kaiwhaiki – Utiku OB edged out Counties 24-12 and Bennett's Taihape took out Kaierau 34-23 for the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield.

By Jesse King
Whanganui Chronicle 15/4/19