Central claim challenge trophy

Central got their Tasman Trophy premier rugby campaign back on track over the hill today - and picked up a prized trophy along the way.

The Blues blitzed past Nelson 43-24 at Trafalgar Park and claimed the prestigious John Goodman Challenge Trophy.

Nelson had taken the trophy from Marist last weekend but were not able to hold onto it against a Central side intent on making amends for a below-par showing last weekend.

In other results, Marist romped past Kahurangi 43-10 while Waimea Old Boys downed Stoke 40-31.

Moutere, the only Marlborough side in the women’s Tasman Trophy race, played at their Awarua Park home during the Magpies’ club day and came up just short against Waimea Old Boys women, losing 40-27.

The match see-sawed, with Moutere closing to within one point in the latter stages, only for their rivals to score two late tries and inflate the scoreline.

In the other match, Kahurangi demolished Marist 65-10.

Three matches were played in the senior A competition.

Awatere travelled to Spring Creek and opened their account after having a first round bye with a 37-12 win over Moutere on the number two ground, the Tussocks having led 17-7 at the break.

In Havelock, the home side Pelorus went down 22-10 to Harlequins while Renwick, the defending champs, got back on track with a 25-15 win over Central in Renwick.

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV travelled to Rangiora and came away with an impressive 48-3 win over Rangiora High School, a side they had already beaten in pre-season play.

Other first round Miles Toyota Premiership winners were Nelson College, St Thomas of Canterbury, Christchurch Boys’ High School and St Bede’s.