Rugby: Old Boys taught a lesson

Old Boys' Marist No 8 Taniela Manu is well contained by the Mid Northern defence on Saturday. Photo / Tania Whyte

Mid Northern's simple but effective game plan is producing results against the toughest of opponents.

Their 29-20 win on Saturday against Old Boys' Marist, arguably the form team in the Bayleys Southern Districts Premier competition, was forged around maintaining a decent set piece, a stubborn defence, and multiple phases of pick-and-go which was the hallmark of their play throughout the game.

That they defended their tryline for most of the first spell and led at the breather was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and a will to fight all the way to the end.

Playing against the wind didn't help either.

But it should have helped hosts Old Boys' Marist save for unforced errors, missed tackles and penalty kicks sailing slightly beyond the left or right-hand upright.

However, it was Old Boys' Marist that registered the first points on the board via centre Peter Breen who nailed a penalty after Mid Northern was penalised for a scrum infringement midway in their own half.

It took Mid Northern just 13 minutes to open the scores through wing Levi Clark who dotted down in the corner after receiving a timely pass from first five-eighth Jimmy Horsford.

The try preceded multiple phases of pick and go with their forwards, led by tighthead prop Chris Apoua, hoeing in at the breakdown and helped in large part by Old Boys' Marist slipping off tackles.

Shortly after the re-start, Breen attempted a 52m penalty with a northwesterly gale behind him but the ball sailed to the right.

His team's best chance came midway in the first half but prop Howard Sililoto frustratingly got back to his feet after knocking the ball at the Mid Northern tryline.

Old Boys' Marist's woes were further compounded after losing a couple of their own lineouts in handy positions on the field that stymied the momentum and pace at which they opted to play the game.

Another promising move got nowhere when halfback Matt Marwick flung a pass off a scrum to his opposite Malcolm McLeod just five metres away from the Mid Northern tryline.

Mid Northern made good use of the ball and the briefest of forays into the opposition half in the opening half yielded them points - and tries.

Outside centre James Cherrington pushed the lead further on the stroke of half time after taking multiple defenders to the tryline with him.

In the second spell, the restart kick worked wonders for Mid Northern as it bounced and went into touch about five metres from the Old Boys' Marist tryline.

The visitors managed to secure possession and Apoua overpowered defenders to barge over for the third try.

Old Boys' Marist's first try came via fullback Monty Lama after receiving a pass from centre Troy Gilbert who broke free on the left flank before off-loading.

Miscommunication at the back under a high ball between Lama and another player resulted in a knock-on and Mid Northern pounced.

Lock Thomas Dwyer scored under the posts.

Marwick pulled one back for Old Boys' Marist but time ran out for the hosts in the end.

Mid Northern mentor Craig Edwards reckoned their defence in the first 40 minutes was the best they've had all season.

His side hosts Hikurangi this weekend.

Old Boys' Marist coach Greg Shipton said the visitors deserved the win and gave his side a bit of a lesson.