Match Report: Carterton vs Marist

By Andrew Dunford

Carterton 20 (Zach Wakefield, Fiula Tameilau tries; Ben Brooking 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals) Marist 15.

Carterton reversed its narrow loss to Marist earlier in the season, winning the battle of the unbeaten teams on a heavy and poorly marked out Memorial Park pitch courtesy of superior goal-kicking. The match wasn’t a classic by any means but was played at an intensity which reflected the likelihood of both teams contending for the title later in the season.

Ben Brooking missed a penalty goal attempt after eight minutes but made amends when given a second chance three minutes later. Marist scored a try after 33 minutes to lead 5-3, but then lost a player to the sin bin. Carterton’s scrum became dominant in this period, leading to a pushover try to Zac Wakefield on the stroke of half time, Ben Brooking’s conversion making the score 10-5.

Tupou Lea’aemanu had a try after 45 minutes from a trademark storming run ruled out for an earlier knock on, but Fiula Tameilau scored shortly afterwards after collecting a loose ball on the 22 to extend Carterton’s lead to 17-5.

Marist came back strongly, scoring a try after 52 minutes but Carterton went close again through Tupou Lea’aemanu then Ben Brooking kicked another penalty from in front for 20-10 after 66 minutes. Marist scored again after 72 minutes but was unable to kick a single goal on the day and Carterton held on to win 20-15 despite Marist attacking strongly in the closing stages,

Carterton’s scrum performed well throughout the match despite using only two props, but the lineout struggled in the absence of some first-choice jumpers. The backline tackled strongly but was not at its fluent best after being rearranged owing to the late absence of Aseri Waqa.

Cameron Cartwright enjoyed perhaps his best game in a maroon jersey, scrummaging and tackling strongly, and Zach Wakefield was influential at number eight, making lots of ground off the back of the scrum and securing much-needed lineout ball. Brandon Wright carried tirelessly in midfield, Fiula Tameilau enjoyed a typically busy game both on attack and defence, and Ben Brooking was outstanding at fullback, always making ground with ball in hand, saving his team with a number of strong tackles and ultimately winning the match through his reliable goalkicking.