Marist Town Incognito 1 - 0 Petone

The strangely un-chaotic build-up to this match mirrored the straightforward manner of the 1-0 win. A free header for left-back Mic West from Van Echten’s corner put Marist Town Incognito (MTI) ahead in the twelfth minute.

After a tentative first five minutes the game quickly settled, with the MTI defence clearly on top – Mic getting everything in the air, Vince de Slong slipping out to make telling interceptions and Gary in fine voice and making some good runs out from the back. Jonny Cameron was also outstanding, making it first to every lose ball – and striking fear into the Petone wives and kids situated just one yard from the sideline.

The midfield (Andy, Marcus & Kini) moved the ball out quickly to wide-ohs Dan and Vanee who got in plenty of crosses.

Poor finishing characterised MTI’s display in the final third of the field, but the attacking thrust (quick-Brads) did result in plenty of won corners. Vanee’s delivery from the flag was as precise as it was predictable but did allow reformed attacker Mic to get into the opposition box more often than he ever did as a forward.

Marcus and Gary had to leave at half time to be awarded for services to Men’s Netball. Say-no-more, but it did free up the showers bit after the game. Subs (due this Saturday, by the way!) Phil and Rick proved composed replacements. Then Sam came on later. And later MTI keeper skinny Ant even got to touch the ball.

In summary, Petone will be the whipping boys of this division and MTI were lucky to get them first. However, like the Welsh Rugby team MTI are shaping up to be more than the sum of their parts.

Unlike … Real Madrid.