Tough test for Marist

Press, 21 April 1979, Page 60

Tough test for Marist

Marist had a tough opening to the senior club rugby competition, striking the C.S.B. Cup holder, Christchurch. on the first Saturday and losing by four points in a tight encounter. Since then Marist managed to overcome a determined Albion challenge in a midweek match, but the pressure is back on the team today when it has the daunting assignment of meeting University A in the Park Oval. University A, in its only match to date, was especially impressive in running in five tries to beat Sydenham, 30-6. The Sydenham, challenge was not a strong one, but the students impressed in all

facets; a strong and purposeful forward pack complemented by backs who displayed pace and flair. Even at this early stage, University is a popular fancy for the C.S.B. Cup, but if it is to justify this prediction it will need to withstand Marist today. Marist has more than its share of problems even before the two teams take to the field. Steve Hanse, an key figure in the back-line, is troubled with a calf injury and will receive physiotherapy this morning before deciding whether he will play. Bernie Oliver, who has a bruised thigh, and a lock, Bernie liver, who has a ’gashed hand, are also under

a cloud, although both are expected to play. Two other first-round winners, High School Old Boys and Lincoln College, are matched in the second game at Rugby Park. After a shaky start against Shirley, Old Boys were too proficient in the second half and won comfortably. Lincoln College had a last-gasp victory against Albion and the College XV might not have the same team cohesion as Old Boys at this early stage of the season. Two other leading teams, Christchurch and Belfast, should be untroubled to beat Burnside and Hornby, respectively.