Marist kicked off with a strong wind at their backs in their opening league fixture against a Rowntrees side they had not played against for many years.
The game was dominated by forward exchanges in the early stages, with the younger Marist pack doing well to hold their own against the much more experienced visitors. Both sides defended strongly, and it took a piece of individual skill from Bobby Marrow to break the deadlock, he made a break in midfield, ran through the first defender, then chipped ahead to outpace the defence to score a good try, but too far out for him to convert his own effort.
This proved to be the only score of the first half as Rowntrees dominated both territory and possession, but were unable to break down a resolute and determined Marist defence, involving both forwards and backs.
Half time and the score 5-0, it seemed questionable as to whether this would be a sufficient lead given the strong wind and the comparative dominance of the Rowntrees pack.
However the opening play of the second half saw a well won lineout and the ball was moved swiftly upfield for the Marist Wing man to cross in the corner, however he made sufficient ground towards the posts to allow Bobby Marrow to make the conversion.
This seemed to bolster the confidence of the Marist pack, who came much more into the battle, and they won a good portion of possession with Will Ayre doing a sterling job as the main line out jumper.
Midway through the second half a cleanly won scrum ball on halfway instigated a planned move which opened up the visitors defence and resulted in wingman Rich Houghton scoring in the corner, this was again converted by Bobby Marrow.
The final twenty minutes were again evenly contested, with Marist trying to make more use of their threatening back line, but the Rowntrees defence held out to leave the final score at 19-0.
This was a good, solid, organised and disciplined display by the home side which augurs well for the rest of the season.
Outstanding for Marist were No 8 Bobby Marrow, who featured strongly in both attack and defence; Will Ayre who had a terrific game on the open side and finished the game with a huge tackle count as well as performing heroically in the line out. The Man of the match award however went to scrum half and captain for the day Reece Walker who cajoled and organised his pack superbly, as well as causing his opposite number a great deal of problems at the scrum. He also mada a more than useful contribution to a terrific defensive display by the whole team.