Blues come up short

Central’s premier rugby season came to an abrupt end at Lansdowne Park this afternoon.

The Blues arrived at the park needing a bonus point win against Nelson, plus a favourable result from the Marist v Kahurangi clash to progress to next week’s Tasman Trophy semifinals.

In the end they got neither. With time almost up in their match they led 22-17, having scored the required four tries for a bonus point. However, a Nelson side intent on mounting attacks from all parts of the park would not lie down and when flanker Matt Lowe scampered 30 metres down the wing to the goal line the scores were level. It was left to first five and captain Fletcher Hewitt-Smart to land the conversion, which he did to put the visitors ahead for the first time and ultimately clinch the win with only seconds remaining.

The 24-22 loss ended any chance Central had of playing next week, although they would have ultimately been frustrated, Kahurangi picking up a bonus point in their 29-24 loss which ensured their progression to the top four.

Central seemed to have their game under control until late in the piece. Three unconverted first half tries as their rivals battled with discipline issues saw them ahead 15-0 at the break.

Nelson scored soon after halftime to begin their fightback, but when Central added their fourth touchdown midway through the second spell they were comfortably ahead at 22-5.

But as the benches emptied, the balance swung, Nelson’s reinforcements bringing fresh legs to the battle and their playmakers putting aside aimless kicking for direct running and some stunning support play.

Three times they caught the hosts out on the edges, hard-working loosies Kobe Brownlee and Lowe prominent, along with elusive fullback Brodie Robinson and powerhouse prop Isaiah Malaulau, as they set up the winning play.

It has been an up and down year for the Blues, notching wins over Kahurangi, Stoke and Nelson in the early stages of the short season only to go winless in the final five matches.

No 8 Jesse MacDonald, lock Matt McCormick, centre Jake Pacey and halfback Logan Philp impressed for the home side, along with winger Senetenari Ponesi.

In the other match, played on Thursday evening, Waimea Old Boys beat Stoke 52-19 to ensure they head into the final four showdown as top qualifiers.

Waimea will play defending champs Kahurangi in one semi, while Marist will meet Nelson in the other.

Final points: Waimea OB 43, Marist 42, Nelson 32, Kahurangi 23, Central 20, Stoke 13.