MBB Marlins stun Valley Hunters

The Theodist MBB Marlins upset the SWG TSI Valley Hunters with a gritty 19-12 win in Round 5 of the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) Men’s Premier Grade on Saturday, 30 May 2026, at Bava Park. 

Two teams sitting third and fourth on the ladder, this match shaped up to be a blockbuster that went down to the wire, with the resilient Gerehu-based team overcoming the CRU’s back-to-back defending champions.

A brutal first half saw bone-rattling hits and impregnable defence from both sides. The main premier men’s showdown lived up to expectations, with the Marlins and Valley Hunters scoring a converted try each, locking the points on 7-7 at half-time.

The intensity peaked in the second half as the two teams wrestled for dominance. The Theodist-sponsored MMB Marlins bagged two tries, while the Valley Hunters registered a solo try, with the Marlins edging out Frank Genia’s men.

MBB Marlins coach Rawali Bokuik mentioned that they fell short on the Valley Hunters in the preliminary final last year, and going up against the reigning premiers this time, he expected nothing but physicality, explaining their preparations to meet the heavyweights. 

“It was what we expected. We expected the intensity. For us, we’ve been building for the last two weeks because we had a bye last weekend. We’ve been building as the grand final that never was,” Bokuik said.

“It was awesome defeating the back-to-back premiers. If you had asked me five years ago, we were wooden spooners. We’ve come a long way, and to be competitive this year is an uncharted territory for us. 

“We wanted to meet them in the grand final last year, but we did not make it. We fell short, so I told the boys that let’s make it count this game (round 5), so we can see where we could have been last year.” 

Coach Bokuik fielded a young side for this season, blending youth with experience: “It’s really good for us. We wanted to do that and build the young players through the ranks, keeping them in the team in the next few years.

“We’ve had ins and outs with most of the players, but the transition has been good. The young players are lifting us, and we are slowly pulling together.”

The Marlins passed the litmus test by holding off the CRU juggernauts in a thrilling contest, showing signs of being serious contenders. However, Bokuik admitted they would not rest on their laurels as they aim for the maiden title.

Coach Rawali Bokuik’s men recorded three draws and two wins, sitting fourth on the ladder with 14 points. Though the Marlins are on 14 points apiece with the Valley Hunters, Frank Genia’s men have the upper hand due to points differential.  

With five rounds done and dusted, and 12 more rounds to complete the regular season, Bokuik said their goal is to take one game at a time. The MMB Marlins will meet the Wanderers tomorrow (June 6th) and go head-to-head with the unbeaten ladder-leading Brothers next week.