After a long Covid-19 enforced break, Ardmore Marist teams will take to the field this weekend as CMRFU and ARU competition rugby returns.

The South Auckland Motors Premier 1 team will travel down the river and up the hill to Onewhero on Saturday.  Onewhero Rugby Club was founded in 1920 so this is a milestone year for the club.  Their centenary celebrations have been on ice since lockdown and they will be itching to get an early win at home.

Head Coach Doug Sanft and experienced assistant Mike "Machine" Casey will take a number of debutants to Onewhero this weekend.  Early signs during their preseason match at Varisty, signal that the Ardmore Marist senior sides will have a great deal of flare and speed, and a scrum to be reckoned with.  

Both the Premier 1 and  Premier 2 competitions pick up from where they left off while all other grades will see their season begin. The Premier 3 team are enjoying the hospitality at Tuakau this weekend, with a kick off at 1pm. 

Look for a number of experienced and familiar faces in the Ardmore Marist Premier 3 side this year with a decent mix of up and coming young talent; if this team kicks on, then it may just be the team to beat.  Seven teams will contest the Premier 3 competition this season.   

The Ardmore Marist Premier Womens team is at home to North Shore Barbarians on Saturday, kicking off at 245pm in the first of only two home games in the shortened ARU Premier Womens competition.

The Ross Roof Group Premier 2 team has the bye.

The Ardmore Marist Junior Fitness and Skills Boot Camp also returns to Bruce Pulman Park this Saturday, with free, fun activities and games from 9am till 11am and a free sausage sizzle to finish. 

This event is being held in association with Counties Manukau Sport and will continue each Saturday morning in rain, hail or shine, concluding on Saturday July 18th.  This event is open to all ages and the club welcomes junior members and non-members to come down and join in the fun. 

 Ardy up!

Article added: Thursday 18 June 2020