Here come the champs: Marist Celtic hit top gear
By Jared Smith
There are the games you’re slightly favoured to win, and then there are the performances that make a whole competition sit up and take notice.
Tasman Tanning Senior’s defending champions Ali Arc Logistics Marist Celtic made a big statement after a 64-5 over Gemini Pepper Construction Kaierau on their own Country Club ground on Saturday.
The Stihl Shop Wanganui Challenge Shield game had been keenly anticipated with both sides unbeaten, and Kaierau’s record was certainly not padded as they’d picked up victories over semifinal prospects Bennett’s Taihape and Utiku Old Boys.
But the white ‘n green machine just ran riot up the middle and on the fringes for an afternoon where everything clicked, the blowout surprising even their coach Duane Brown.
“We went into the game just relaxed. They beat us in Kaierau last year so we wanted to pay that back.
“We’ve had a lot of buy-in of what we wanted to achieve – some good running rugby.
“Just stick a few phases together, I think one was about 13 phases.”
Celtic have now been undefeated since that last Kaierau loss on April 30th, 2022 – 14 wins and one draw including winning the Division 1 title last year and lifting the Challenge Shield earlier this campaign.
But even as the only remaining unbeaten side, Celtic will not look past anyone as what is proving to be a very competitive Senior grade reaches the halfway mark of the round robin this Saturday.
“Taihape are always strong at home, and the weather’s not going to be the best either, so that’s going to play into their hands,” said Brown.
“Ratana, on a good day, they can beat us. Anyone can win on semifinals.”
Indeed, Celtic are still hunting that elusive win over Tāmata Hauhā Rātana, who delayed their championship glory by beating them twice in both 2020 and 2021, while last year the rivals played out a rugged 5-5 draw on a wet and muddy Pa ground.
Having ushered in 13 new players this year, Celtic have big game composure from their core of veterans in Maikara McDonnell, Jordan Davis, Dale Pene, Corey Chant and Trevor Gunn
“Maikara is the glue, he can lead the team around. Jordan Davis – it’s always good to have him on your side,” said Brown.
There is some real talent in the backline as Premier regular Jamie Robertson has dropped back to simplify his commitments, while the youngest of the esteemed Koro family in Akiwa Koro, son of assistant coach and former Steelform Whanganui captain Steelie, takes the field alongside his kin in Te Heru Reu Koro and Petera Patea-Koro.
Brown has also been happy with the work of lock Chase Clark who arrived from Australia, and Kaierau import Wiremu Morgan at first-five.
“Celtic’s never really had a team that can kick around the park, or even conversions.”
The Senior draw is
May 20th, 1pm kickoffs unless noted (times subject to change):
Kaierau vs Hunterville, Country Club; Mustangs vs Counties, Spriggens Park (2.35pm); Ratana vs Border, Ratana Pa; Knights vs Marton, Spriggens Park; Utiku vs Pirates, Memorial Park No2; Taihape vs Celtic, Memorial Park No1.
