The Mt Aspiring College first XV notched up a solid 33-7 win against Otago Boys’ High School’s second XV at home in Wanaka last Saturday, June 22. 

“The team played really well today,” said MAC’s Hamish Crosbie. “The boys could have left 20 or 30 points out on the field so we really could have put them away but to beat OBs 33-7 is a very good result for us.”

Hungry for a win after losing to John McGlashan College and then Otago Boys’ first XV over the last two weeks, MAC were guilty of ‘white line fever’ at times.

“We were pushing a few passes rather than being patient,” Hamish explained. “We were trying to score off that phase rather than thinking we can be a bit more patient and score off the next phase, so a few 50-50 passes went to ground.”

Lock Ollie Holloway was first to score for the home side, driving over the line after multiple phases on attack. Centre Jack East’s try from an 80-metre break set the scene for MAC to take charge of the scoreboard with a 14-0 lead at half time.

The second half saw the game plan really come together and points scored from true team effort. Hamish explains: “The boys were able to stay in their structure really well and that created heaps of opportunities, so we finished well.”

Tries to Flanker Lachie McDonald and Wing Cameron Reddy were the result of MAC playing the full width of the field and stretching the OB’s defence. Milan Martinovich side-stepped his way to the try line to score MAC’s fifth try of the game.

Prop Rhys Hughes put up another impressive defensive effort, also contributing with some strong carries. TJ Lilly’s accuracy at the kicking tee meant only one conversion was missed. 

OBHS only threatened the line once, scoring a consolation try just before full-time.

MAC are next scheduled to play in Dunedin next Saturday June 29, against Kings High School. Kickoff will be at 1pm.