Marist 45 Moutere 10

It was always a tough task for Moutere coming over the hill to take on last year’s runners-up Marist at Trafalgar Park.

And so it proved with the green machine running in two early tries on the way to a comfortable 21-5 halftime lead.

Moutere manager Alistair Sutherland said they had played a lot of rugby and built phases well but “we just couldn’t bend their line.”

“They are well drilled on both attack and defence. We take a bit of learning out of it. It’s definitely the bar we want to get to.”

For Moutere, player of the day was fullback Clyde Paewai, while flanker Jack Burdon and No 8 Vailua Kaloni had strong games.

For Marist, halfback Wil Thornalley bagged two tries in an outstanding performance in his 25th Premier match. Hooker Dylan Irvine also brought up this milestone.

Marist 45 Tries: Wil Thornalley 2, Roko Onolevu, Te Puoho Stephens, Jarel Hemehema, Nic Sauira, Dan Solomon; Con 5: Like Kilworth – Moutere 10 (2 tries). HT: 26-5.

B&F: 3. Wil Thornalley, 2 Jarel Hemehema, 1 Team

Standings: Marist 10, Central 8, Waimea Old Boys 5, Stoke 5, Kahurangi 1, Nelson 0, Moutere 0.