Marist College Ashgrove preview ahead of the AIC rugby season
The AIC premiership starts on Saturday with Marist College Ashgrove hosting St Edmund’s College, Padua College playing St Patrick’s College, St Peters Lutheran College against Iona and Villanova College against St Laurence’s College.
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AIC premiers Marist College Ashgrove will hit the ground running with a team full of the riches of last season’s premiership winning experiences.
The AIC premiership starts on Saturday with Marist hosting St Edmund’s College, Padua College playing St Patrick’s College, St Peters Lutheran College against Iona and Villanova College against St Laurence’s College.
Marist College is a powerhouse of Australian rugby, with the likes of Des Connor, Brendan Moon, Daniel and Anthony Herbert, John Eales, Pat Howard, Barry Honan, Sam Scott-Young all old boys.
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Marist will be captained by Nick Baker, with Matt Mitchell his vice-captain, and the school will be shooting for a fourth successive title.
“With 10 of last year’s squad returning the base of the team is very strong,’’ said Head of Sport David Miles.
“Mixed together with some exciting new talent the team is a great blend of experience and youth.
“With the talent in this year’s team and the recent success of the 1st XV teams at Ashgrove the 2020 goal is to win the 1st XV premiership once again.’’
Skipper Baker, dashing ball playing fullback Floyd Aubrey, halfback Mitchell and centre Josh Billing will lead the way, with Billing’s big moment coming after he tore his ACL in round 2 last season. “He is keen to make amends,’’ Miles said.
Asked about the style of play he would like the college to be associated with, Miles said: “This year’s team has an ability to adapt their playing style to suit their opposition. Over the past few years, the highly skilful and running-rugby style of play Ashgrove has always been renowned for has returned.’’
NOTE: Look for online coverage each early Saturday evening at www.couriermail.com.au