Marist Ashgrove bounced back from a disappointing round one loss to Lauries to get their AIC campaign back on track with a 34-5 victory over Eddies. 

Despite the fairly comfortable victory, Marist coach Brendan Kiernan still thinks his team needs to improve to be a force this year in a tightening AIC competition. 

“It was a challenge to regroup after a tough round one loss, that’s always a difficult thing to do but fortunately the boys did what they needed to do on the weekend,” Kiernan told Rugby News. 

“There are still areas of improvement that we’ll search for in the coming rounds, but it was pleasing to get a positive result. 

“We got back to attacking the way we want to. Eddies aren’t to be underestimated, they’re an improving side and I think they’ll push a few teams this season. 

“Generally, we had much better game management and we trusted our attacking and defensive shapes this week. 

“There were still a few unforced errors that we’d like to get out of our game but I think that’ll come with a bit more experience.”

Marist were beaten by Lauries for the first time in 13 seasons in round one and while Kiernan said the group was dissapointed with the opening weekend performance, the coach seemed confident that his side would grow as a result of the premiership setback. 

“Hindsight is a wonderful thing. It was one of those tough grinding matches and to Lauries credit, they came with a lot of intent and maintained that throughout the game.

“They took their opportunities when they came and we probably had a few things go against us, which stopped us from building scoreboard pressure. 

“It was a low scoring game and Lauries were up for it, so all credit goes to them.”

Kiernan said he wouldn’t be surprised if we didn’t see an undefeated premier this season, in what he thinks is the tightest AIC competition he’s been involved in in a numbers of seasons. 

“I think everything is probably pointing in that direction after the first two rounds. It’s going to be very close and results each week are going to be interesting,” he said. 

“The sides that can keep their best players on the park week in week out will be best placed to challenge at the end, so that’s another big factor in a tight competition.”

Marist were crowned outright AIC champions in 2017 and 2019 and shared the title in 2018 and in last year’s shortened season. 

Kiernan said it’s too early to know how many wins it will take this year to claim the title, but said his side was focussed on winning the remainder of their games. 

“That’s got to be our mindset. I think we’ve got the potential to compete in every game we play and we’ll prepare that way. 

“It makes it really enjoyable when you know every game could go either way. You’re in for a tough, tight match every week. 

Marist take on Villanova in round three who will also take a 1-1 record into the crucial match. 

“The boys enjoy playing in the big games with the big crowds and they’ll get that this weekend against Villa. 

“They had a tough game last week against Peter’s and they fell just short against Iona in round one so they’ll be looking for a strong result.”