The Marist men’s hockey club started their New Zealand tour on a high after winning their first match over the Pukekohe Indians 4-3 at the Counties Manukau hockey centre.

The fast-paced match saw Marist start off strong however, they failed to utilize goal scoring opportunities.

10 minutes into the match, Pukekohe chalked up the first points following a superb backstick shot into the roof from a short corner move.

The hosts maintained possession to force another short corner opportunity to score again and lead at halftime 2-0.

Marist’s Giles Smith opened their account with a goal six minutes into the second spell.

Other standouts for the visitors were national reps, Cecil Nasilivata and Alsace Smith who dominated the midfield with a combination of skill and sheer determination.

A tomahawk shot from Smith secured Marist’s equalizer with Pukekohe with 15 minutes remaining.

National defender Rupeni Fabiano added Marists winner after a rebounding short corner shot from Smith.

Next up for Marist is the Waitakere Club.