Auckland Marist wins again
Auckland Marist have done it again.
Not once, not twice but three times.
The defending champions of the Vailima Pure International Marist Sevens have defeated Apia, 12-0, to secure their third title in as many years.
Played in slippery and soggy conditions at Marist Lotopa, the defending champs made the most of their opportunities, scoring a try a half to seal the victory.
Apia tried valiantly but they had little to offer an outstanding Marist team who controlled the ball well and kept their cool under pressure.
They did that in the first half after they were left a man down.
But they hung on and finally rewarded when Penetana Smith scored their first try, 5-0.
In the second half, a similar infringement saw the Maroons suffer the same fate.
Both teams played hard physical rugby but it was Marist’s ability to use the space well that gave them the edge. Tagicakibau scored the winning try which was converted, 12-0.
In the women’s final, Auckland Samoa won the Women's title defeating the Marist Invitational Team, 20-5.