Brothers in arms and in scrums

It was an all McDougall front row for Marist as four brothers took to the field in their second division match against Nelson over the weekend.

In a game that was played with the intensity of an elimination playoff for the Postie Cup, the brothers had extra reason to celebrate as two of them picked up milestone achievements alongside each other.

Patrick (prop) brought up 150 senior games, while Isaac (hooker) brought up his 125 games milestone as their team won 27-12 to hold on to the cup, alongside brothers Duncan on the other side of the scrum and James in the reserves.

Speaking after the game, they say it was “cool” to have their brothers alongside them for the special game.

“I’ve been coaching and sitting on 149 for a while,” Patrick says.

“There was a bit of luck involved,” Isaac says.

“When the stars align like that.”

While Patrick started playing senior rugby well before Isaac, having notched up about 60 games before his brother started playing, he says it was special to have his brothers in the team to celebrate the milestone.

The pair say there were more than two reasons to celebrate as they also took home the Postie Cup, which the club has held since its inception.

The Postie Cup is played in remembrance of Kyle Post who they say was a close col- league and “good mate”. “It’s a remembrance of mental health and to look after each other. No one can win life by themselves,” Isaac says.

“We definitely felt it today in the warm-ups.”

Patrick says it’s always a goal at the start of the season for the team to keep hold of the trophy, with the game always played like it’s a season ender.

“There’s always a big emphasis on this game,” Patrick says. “It’s like a final.”