The Mount Aspiring College (MAC) boys 1st XV rugby side scored an historic 40-33 win over John McGlashan College on Saturday (July 25).

It is the first time MAC has beaten John McGlashan College at this level and comes just four years after MAC suffered a 100 point walloping by the Dunedin college.

The match was a roller coaster for local supporters and players as MAC skipped out to a 17-0 lead thanks to an early try by impressive fullback Marcus Hetherington and a 50m dash by wing Kamryn Reddy after he scooped up a loose pass by a John McGlashan player.

MAC had benefited from a wayward John McGlashan lineout, however a substitution saw the Dunedin college secure more possession and they finished the first half on top 21-20 to quieten a buoyant home crowd.

MAC began the second half well with a try to second five Lachy Moore. Moore’s pace and strength was a highlight of last week’s loss to Dunstan College and he again showed what a threat he is with ball-in-hand in an elusive 40m run.

The MAC 1st XV created history with the win.

Reddy again delighted the crowd midway through the second half, intercepting a John McGlashan pass on his own goal line to gallop the length of the field to score under the bar.

MAC looked comfortable when No. 8 Ryan Jones forced his way over the line to push the score out to 37-21, however John McGlashan displayed great tenacity and forced their way back into the match with two tries making the score 37-33 with minutes left.

Some relief came for MAC with a successful Ryan Jones penalty to close out the match 40-33.

“Full credit to the boys for a great win,” MAC head coach Carl Schmack said after the game.

“They showed belief in themselves and executed the game well to pull out to a commanding lead early, and it was pleasing to see some real character and grit to hold on to the lead when Johnies came back at them.”

For MAC, hooker Lachie MacDonald impressed with his mobility and reading of the game. No.8 Ryan Jones was impressive around the paddock and off the kicking tee scoring 20 points. Prop Rhys Hughes was instrumental in putting his team on the front foot and impressive outside backs Hetherington and Reddy were always threatening.

The win sees MAC finish the six team premiership round robin in fifth position. A winless John McGlashan finished sixth. Both sides will be relegated to the championship division for the next stage of the competition.

This weekend Mt Aspiring College will take on Otago Combined Co-Ed in an away match.

Points:

Tries: Kamryn Reddy (2), Marcus Hethrington, Lachy Moore, Ryan Jones.

Conversions: Ryan Jones (3).

Penalties: Ryan Jones (3).

Results:

Premiership:

Mt Aspiring 40 John McGlashan 33

Dunstan HS 13 Otago BHS 42

Southland BHS v Kings HS to be played midweek

Championship:

Otago BHS 2nd XV 36 Otago Combined 19

South Otago HS 29 St Kevin’s 59

Wakatipu HS 32 Waitaki BHS 10

Table:

PHOTOS: Supplied