From the sidelines with the Waitemata Weasel

Waitemata Premiers v Marist Premiers

Mount Wellington War Memorial Park, 2 May 2026

Buoyed by the result from Waitemata’s Under-21 side’s performance (33–22), our team of supporters were positive that maybe the boys could improve on their Manukau effort from the previous week.

As usual, from the receiving kickoff we dropped the ball. A lineout ensued — our throw — we missed the jumper, they picked up the loose ball and scored. 7–0 down with only two minutes gone….

However, our guys won some front-foot ball and, aided by a couple of handy penalties, we were on their goal line hammering away and were rewarded with a 7-pointer.

Their backline looked very good with the inclusion of Super Rugby player Codi Vai, who ripped us apart in midfield, and it wasn’t long before they scored again.

Play moved up and down the field with both sides peppering the goal line, but Marist were more consistent in avoiding penalties and scored on most occasions, whereas when we were close, a spilled ball or a penalty against us spoiled the good work.

A dashing try from our winger, following a Marist mistake, closed the game up at 17–12, but again dropped ball and mistakes allowed Marist to take a handy 33–12 halftime lead.

The second half was evenly contested, with both sides having many chances. Waitemata scored a third try and, with 10 minutes to go, a hopeful bonus point was lingering, but unfortunately time ran out with the result 48–17 against us.

There were many positives from the match. For me, the young Spanish boy Aratz provided slick service to his 10 and outside backs. He’s quick off the mark and his elusive running is something he is bringing to this side.

The forward pack is improving with every game. The scrum was solid after having difficulties in the past two games. The lineout started badly but improved as the game developed, and our McGrath — the Zenith from the West Island — is now finding his feet and, as an 18-year-old, he’s really got plenty of improvement in him.

Now we have been hearing for weeks about this Canadian boy now known as the Grand Son (GS)… we will delve into that later. He came on for the last 20 minutes and excelled at lineout time, and maybe he is what we have been looking for. It was more his work on opposition ball where he really showed up. He is a keeper according to Vuki.

Another feature is the back three. Marist peppered them with high kicks and all were returned with plenty of interest. I like what Kyan at 15 brings to the backline moves — he runs very straight and, although he’s only 18, you wouldn’t guess it. He has some faults, but there is a lot of positivity in his game.

I like the way that we don’t get down on our results. We are well led by Ben who, at the after-match, speaks well and acknowledges the right people and, on the field, is a hard, bruising defender. A lot of his work goes unnoticed.

Finally, on the game, if we can avoid injuries and keep improving week on week, this team will and could develop into something very good going forward. We have a 10 who is very clever, wants to take control, and has a nice kicking game.

Unfortunately, the Vuksich Jakich Cup stays at Marist. Marist rolled out their usual suspects — McCahill, Sumich, Tolich, Griffin et al. Not many of our people were there, so it’s off to Okahu Bay next week for an appointment with Grammar TEC, a hard nut to beat. Our results against them haven’t been too healthy in recent times, so we look forward to seeing you all there.

Finally, the referee — to be fair, he did a good job — but the two previous weeks we had Sam Adam and Adam Palmer, who were the best in Auckland and showed it.

It was very pleasing to get a 33–22 win against Marist Under-21s and that has laid a good platform for the season. Long way to go.

The Premier Development side played Waitakere Prem 1 and got badly beaten 55–0. That is a worry, as we need a strong development side to support our Prems. On another positive note, the Women’s Prem 2 side, having defeated Weymouth the previous week, had another narrow win over Pukekohe Prem 2, 36–32. Well done girls!!!