Season of Stingerz: Marton prepares for Division 1
By Jared Smith
With the Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield still in their possession and bid for a Tasman Tanning Senior Division 1 semi final in their sights, JJ Walters Marton after taking nothing for granted as they enter new horizons.
After two seasons where they started poorly but finished strong, Marton emerged as top qualifier out of the ultra-competitive 2022 Senior Country group – a “murderers row” grade that claimed the defending 2021 champions Kelso Hunterville and Memorial Park neighbours Bennett’s Taihape and Utiku Old Boys, now consigned to Division 2 and favourites for those playoffs.
Marton, who surprisingly won the Challenge Shield near the end of 2021, have used it as their talisman to survive each tough game, which coach Dennis Tucker hopes has steeled them for Division 1.
Also making it through were McCarthy’s Transport Ruapehu and 2021 runner up’s Harvey Round Motors Ratana, now joined by the Senior Town qualifiers – Gemini Pepper Construction Kaierau, Ali Arc Logistic –TD Brick & Blocks Marist Celtic and Black Bull Liquor Pirates.
“Let’s just say it was a wakeup call. It’s good to see the strength is still there in our Senior comp,” said Tucker.
“We’re through the gauntlet of the first round – we played the hard teams away.
“It was one of the hardest comps I’ve seen in a long time.
“It’s preparing our young ones, I hope. We don’t have the luxury of 50 players.”
Tucker got a gauge on the Town sides when he was assistant referee for the Kaierau vs Pirates clash, with the former having comfortably beaten his own club for the past three seasons.
“It was a typical stoush – with the scenario of what it was [trying to make Top 3].”
However, the Bottom 3 teams in the Town grade did not give Kaierau, Pirates or Celtic as stern a test as the Country squads received, perhaps leaving them feeling a little underdone.
“If that’s the case – we’ll take it,” said Tucker.
“We are wary, and we just came away with a draw at the weekend.
“[Defending the Shield]’s been working for us at the moment, it’s a taonga we’d love to keep.
“We’ve got to make sure we come up with the goods.”
But before testing themselves away to Pirates and at home to Kaierau and Celtic, not to mention Ratana after the Rangitikei had paused sport to grieve for Harerangi Rehimana Meihana, Marton travels to Rochfort Park for a rematch with Ruapehu.
“They were dominating us in the first half. We always know it’s a great game when we play each other,” said Tucker of their first meeting, with Marton just getting up 27-24.
Helping their cause that day at Marton Park was the home side bringing on veteran players who were part of the 2017 vintage – the season Marton won the Senior championship unbeaten.
Alex Mulipola is back from Kaierau, while captain Steven Karehana leads from the pack which includes former coach Mark Jones back playing fulltime and Isaac Greer returning to rugby after starting a young family.
Playmaker Ngatu Bates has just returned, which is welcome given Frenchman Maxime Ramiroz needs a couple more week’s recovery from a rib injury.
Another key factor in the club’s unifying success has been the introduction of blazers – ostensibly for 75 games, but also given to special individuals who have carried the club.
That was why Marton surprised all three members of the Galpin family – Bruce, wife Sharon and their son Bryant – with blazers to recognise their years of service, alongside several veteran players.
“They’ve been stalwarts for our club and put a lot into our club.
“It’s something for our young fellas to [look to] achieve – it’s awesome.”
The draw is
Senior (1pm kickoffs unless noted, times subject to change):
Division 1
Celtic vs Pirates, Spriggens Park (2.35pm); Ruapehu vs Marton, Rochfort Park; Kaierau vs Ratana, MacNab Domain.
Division 2
Taihape vs Hunterville, Memorial Park; Counties vs Buffalos, MacNab Domain; Utiku Old Boys bye.
