Old Boys record eighth straight win
22nd May 2011 01:41PM
By Hamish Forsman
A determined effort from Hamilton Marist was not quite enough as they narrowly went down 24-20 to Hamilton Old Boys in a fast paced match at Marist Park.
Each side traded blows, scoring three tries each, as the lead changed hands five times before Old Boys hit the front with a quarter of the match remaining.
Marist enjoyed long periods on attack in the first half and created many good scoring opportunities, however they lacked the finishing touch scoring only once through wing Jeremy Farr.
Old Boys’ first try from midfield back Hayden Wolfsbauer seemed to spark them into life and they scored again 10 minutes later through lock Josh Olsen as they took a 14-8 lead into half time.
Marist again made a lot of the play in the second spell forcing Old Boys to simplify their game plan and kick for territory. With half an hour remaining first five Trent Renata charged down a kick and scored under the posts Marist had the lead and the momentum.
As the pressure built again deep into Old Boys territory, a quick tap from their standout loose forward Murray Iti lead to a length of the field movement finished off by halfback Troy Lobendahn.
Marist struck back immediately through their halfback Jonathon Malo but missed the wide out conversion to trail by one.
A penalty a few minutes later to fullback Kane Adams, who kicked at 100 per cent for the second week in a row, pushed the lead out to four which Old Boys held on to.
Malo was brilliant for Marist organising his forwards and using his strong running game to good effect. Hooker Dan Hodgson was the pick of the forwards.
For Old Boys Iti was bruising on defence and worked tirelessly all day, as did Olsen, while Ted Lolo made several strong runs down the left wing.
Other premier division results:
Otorohanga 27 Te Awamutu Sports 15
Hautapu 17 Melville 13
Fraser-Tech 29 Morrinsville 19
Te Rapa 23 University 20
