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Water polo wonders

Marlborough college water polo teams picked up a gold and a bronze medal at the recent South Islands Secondary School division one championships in Christchurch. The Marlborough Girls’ College team picked up the gold, while the Marlborough Boys’ College squad claimed a bronze medal in the nine-team competition.

MGC shaded Villa Maria 7-3 in the final to take out the title in the 11-team grade, with local player Koko Wong being named tournament MVP and part of the girls’ tournament team. Scott Keay and George Adams were included in the boys’ tournament team.

The MGC team comprised: Koko Wong, India Nathan, Hayley McCormick, Katie Marsh, Poppy Clark, Elizabeth Douthett, Libby Senior, Mia Lindfield and Gabby Miller. They were coached by Alastair Keay and managed by Jo McCormick.

The MBC team comprised: George Adams, Hugo Edsall, Leon Edsall, Scott Keay, William McCallum, Liam McIntyre, Jacob McLeish, Finn McNabb, Fyn Russell and Seb Russell.

Sophia selected

Marlborough Girls’ College touch player Sophia Nicholas has been named in New Zealand under-18 mixed touch team. The side will travel to Queensland in May to take part in the Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup.

Robbie calls time

Robbie Manson, the world’s fastest single sculler, has announced his retirement, for the second time. In 2020 he decided to quit the sport which at that stage had taken him to both the London and Rio Olympics and saw him set the world’s best time in the single sculls, a mark of 6m 30.74 that still stands. In mid-2022 he decided to give it another shot, progressing through masters rowing, to club competition and nationals, then eventually to a third Olympic Games. In Paris, he made it all the way to the A final, a fitting end to a wonderful international career.

“I’d planned to keep going after Paris, and I did,” said Robbie on social media, “because I felt like there was still more in the tank.

“But competing at this level demands so much—time, energy, stress, and sacrifice— and eventually, the cost starts to outweigh the reward. Lately, the pull to explore new opportunities has been stronger than the pull to keep racing,” he added.

Touching tribute

Marlborough Touch stalwart Anne Taylor has been honoured with life membership of the local organisation. At the recent rep touch season prizegiving she was presented with the prestigious award.

Anne was an integral part of the crew who set up the local junior touch competition in 1997, a competition which has grown to cater for around 100 teams. She also took the first junior rep sides to tournament in 1998, beginning 28 years of service to a sporting organisation that has thrived under her stewardship.

Cooper makes cut

Former Marlborough Boys’ College stand-out Cooper Roberts has been selected for the New Zealand under-20 team which will contest the World Rugby Under-20 Championships in Italy during June and July.

Cooper was a member of the Crusaders sides which claimed back-to-back titles at the recent Super Rugby U20 championships in Taupo, impressing in a midfield role. He is part of the Tasman Mako wider training squad.

Neve nails it

Marlborough multi-sporter Neve McKenzie scored a breakthrough victory at the 2025 Pacific Radiology NZ Schools Triathlon championships at Glendhu Bay, Wanaka recently.

Neve, racing for Auckland’s St Kentigern College, claimed the senior (under-19) title. Second was Charlotte Chiles from Rangi Ruru, with Leah Kilmister third.

Goody gets nod

Former Tasman Mako coach Andrew Goodman has landed a role with the 2025 British & Irish Lions team which will tour Australia later this year. The New Zealander was last week announced as one of Andy Farrell’s four assistants. Andrew joined Ireland as backs coach last summer after a two-year stint as Leinster assistant coach and helped Ireland to a third-place finish in the 2025 Six Nations. Andrew said: “When Andy phoned up, I was silent for about 30 seconds and he even asked if I was still there. I was shocked, excited - all the emotions. It was pretty special, calling my family back home in New Zealand.”