FRIDAY, August 13, was a dark day for the Donnybrook Razorbacks when they went down to Marist, three- nil.

Any hopes from last week’s big win well and truly dispelled by their lack-lustre performance.

Work, study commitments and injury have meant that Donnybrook has struggled for a consistency of players over recent weeks.

The Hogs went into this match with just one substitute on the bench against a solid Marist outfit.

Predictably Marist attacked early and often.

Strong individual work from Roo-Dog Crsitaldi, Mike Green and Ben Mountford made Marist work for its opportunities but Marist kept pressuring the depleted Hogs’ back-line into error and took an early lead after a series of penalty corners.

The Razorbacks’ improvised forward line had little impact and Marist seemingly had full control of play.

Doug Bignell seized a chance to score against the attack after the Hogs set up a chain of passes but his aim was askew. The Hogs had to be content to stoutly defend until half-time, doing just enough to hold Marist out.

Marist took control of the game again in the second half.

Some individual efforts by Todd Kirkpatrick and Mike Green allowed Doug Bignell a couple of scoring opportunities. But Doug’s radar was again out and he could not find the goals.

Frustration set in and Doug Bignell was sin-binned after back-chatting the umpire.

Marist took this opportunity and scored again from great field play.

Crusty Chapman and Roo-Dog Cristaldi worked hard to set up an attack and a great solo run down the wing by Roo-Dog almost paid dividends with a near miss.

Donnybrook reverted to big hits from the back line in hope of breaking through but Marist picked off every ball.

A great pass from Todd Kirkpatrick set up Mark Atherton for a late chance but luck was not with the Razorbacks.

The Hogs finished the match blazing away with another couple of scoring chances missed, just hanging on to fourth spot by the skin of their teeth.

Best players on the day: Todd Kirkpatrick, three votes; Roo Dog Cristaldi, two votes; Crusty Chapman . one vote.

Highlights: 1) Ben Mountford’s development as a half back; .2) saving a certain goal on the goal line.

Lowlights: Donnybrook’s inability to score goals.