Marist Nelson are celebrating a standout performance on the national stage after finishing third at the National Club 7s tournament in Wellington.
As Tasman’s regional 7s champions, Marist were invited to the 75th annual Middlesex County William Wavell Wakefield Cup, joining other regional winners from across the country. The squad featured three sets of brothers – the Thornalleys, the Kilworths and the Sauiras – something club captain Isaac McDougall says strengthened the team’s culture.
“The brothers are an awesome part of our club. For us, the family vibe is so important, whether by blood or otherwise. Everyone’s bought in, everyone looks out for each other like family and that’s what makes us strong,” Isaac says.
Marist collected two wins and a hard-fought draw against eventual champions Hutt Old Boys Marist during the round robin. Their quarter-final against Rotorua’s Marist St Michaels was one of their best performances of the weekend, producing an outstanding brand of attacking rugby to secure a 26–7 win.
That set up a semi-final against hosts Paramata Plimmerton. A controversial try on the final siren ended Marist’s run, but while disappointed to miss the final, Isaac says the team were thrilled to secure third place.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the effort and skillset shown by our men. To finish third against the other 11 best clubs in New Zealand is awesome. To say we are punching above our weight is an understatement.”
