Day 4 match day vs Maristas

Day 4 saw the first of four matches at the picturesque Maristas rugby ground in Mendoza. We had agreed to play 3x25 minute games which allowed every member of the tour squad to get plenty of game time. The first third was a disaster as a battle hardened Maristas team came out with all guns blazing and scored 28 unanswered points - the main problem being rustiness. A late try from Rory Jackson brought us back into the contest at the end of the third. The second third saw 13 changes in personnel with the younger, more inexperienced tourists given a go. Immediately we saw a change and they tore into the opposition with Fergal Crerar making a very strong contribution with a turn over and an excellent try. Maristas scores with the last play of the period to make the scores level in the second third. The final third was also extremely positive with the experienced players encouraged by the performance of the younger players. The third was deadlocked at 0-0 but we certainly had the lions share of possession and scoring opportunities. The post match function was outstanding and the boys partook in a singing contest against the hosts with an honourable draw being the agreed outcome. The players headed away with their hosts for their final night billet and looked forward to the trekking and zip wiring activity in foothills of The Andes the following day.