Marist through to next round

Palmerston North Marist cruised through to the second round of the men’s Chatham Cup on Saturday with a comfortable 4-1 win over rivals Massey University.

It was a reversal of fortunes for the two, afterMarist lost the previous weekend and Massey won again to remain unbeaten in the Federation League.

It was an outcome that meant the sides swapped places on the league ladder, the students now lying second and Marist third.

But it was a different story in Saturday’s cup clash, played under lights on the artificial turf at the Arena, after Marist led 2-0 at halftime.

At one point early in the second spell, it seemed Massey might catch Marist after a Ben Mori goal narrowed the margin for the students.

But up popped the energetic Melvin Rumere on the Marist wing, and his 55thminute goal stretched his side’s lead to two goals again, before a Massey own goal late in the game sealed the result.

Marist established their first-half lead through goals from captain Taylor Monk and striker Nick Carrick.

Coach Juliano Schmeling said being back to near full strength for the first time this season was the key to Marist’s victory.

‘‘There was also a great attitude in the team, who I think were out to prove to themselves they could do better than when they lost their previous game.

‘‘So it was a combination of things.’’ Adam Cowan was Marist’s man of the match for his defending at centre back and overall direction of play.

There wouldn’t be many players around better than Cowan on the dead ball or at ball distribution from the back.

Schmeling said Cowan’s experience made a ‘‘huge difference’’ to Marist’s game.

Massey coach Donald Piper said the students didn’t sufficiently adapt to the conditions on the artificial turf under lights.

‘‘We need to train on it before we play them again.

‘‘I don’t believe we were three goals worse than them.’’

■ The Palmerston North Marist women’s team had the bye in the first round of the national knockout competition, the Kate Sheppard Cup.

■ North End’s goal drought turned into a 7-2 deluge on Saturday in the men’s Federation Cup competition.

After failing to score in their first three Federation League outings this season, North End were untroubled against Taranaki premiership side New Plymouth Rangers at Memorial Park.

‘‘We needed that,’’ said coach Scott Robson, currently suffering from a bout of Covid-19.