Athletic Marist is out of contention but still on track.
The club is very much in a rebuilding phase and cannot make the semifinals this season.
But watch out in a few years, coach Wayne Kinzett suggested.
"We’ve had a massive rebuild year. The last few we were really struggling and the club was under a bit of strain," he said.
"But this year we’ve got a good group of young boys and by that I mean they’re 18.
"They’ve got a lot of learning to do but, gee, we’ve been in every game."
Kinzett felt his side has gained some respect despite its record. While the team has been competitive, it has managed just one win and that came against its opponent this weekend, Excelsior.
Excelsior defaulted last weekend, but Kinzett expects it will have a team tomorrow and will be keen to avenge the earlier loss.
Athletic Marist has shown plenty of creativity on attack. It is a side which can score quickly.
But the team lacks size and experience, while holding on to the ball for long periods and winning the contact around the ruck is a challenge as well.
"Clearing bodies is a struggle because we’re 85kg and they’re 120kg or 130kg.
"That is one of our issues and the other is we’re lacking props this year.
"But that size will come with age and we’ve got a few more boys coming next year.
"We just want to improve and we’ve sort of set a three year plan and that is still our aim."
Youngster Will Knight has been one of the standout performers. He has not long turned 18 and at 82kg the hooker-cum-openside is undersized. But he has tackled with a ferocity of someone much bigger and has been excellent over the ball.
Hooker Brady Mercer has returned to rugby after a couple of years out and has brought some real energy. He has carried strongly, while makeshift No 10 Mason Kinzett has made a promising transition from halfback to first five-eighth.
He reads the game well and could have a long career in the jersey, which will offer the team stability in future seasons.
