Sports shorts

Neve nails it

Marlborough cyclist Neve McKenzie has enjoyed a startling run of success in both track and road disciplines. At the elite road national championships she claimed gold in the under-19 time trial and silver in the U19 road race.  She then turned her attention to the Oceania track championships where she secured five podium appearances in the U19 category, picking up golds in the individual pursuit, the team pursuit and the Madison with her Black Magic Cycling partner.

Saints v Giants

Marlborough basketball will host a pre-season clash between the 2025 NBL champions, the Wellington Saints, and Nelson Giants on Saturday, 4 April. Tip-off is at 5.30pm at Stadium 2000. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nbl-preseason-slam-tickets-1983036759329?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Coast to Coasters

Several Marlborough multisport athletes completed the iconic Coast To Coast adventure race recently.

Max Meffan, a house surgeon at Wairau Hospital competing in his first Coast to Coast, registered the stunning time of 11 hours, 44 minutes, 17 seconds to finish fourth overall, a superb result. His brother, Burty Meffan, finished in 13.08.59 for a 33rd placing overall, from 197 entrants. Ian completed his 13th Coast to Coast in 16.06.24, 153rd overall but finishing seventh in the 50-59 age group.

In the two-day two-person tandem division the Boomtown Battlers combination of Andrew Jones and Callum Anderson finished a very meritorious first in their veterans’ category and claimed sixth overall, completing the race in a time of 13.07.52.

Two all-Marlborough teams competed in the two-day three-person relay.

The Allan Scott Winemakers team comprising Sara Stocker, Harry Stocker and Paul Bourgeois finished 41st out of 138 teams in a time of 13.01.06. They came home third in their category from 22 teams.

The Boom Town Bandits combination of Aaron and Kylie Senior, plus Mandy Macfarlane finished 88th from 138 competitors in a time of 14.26.11.

George Guthrie from Marlborough was part of the 20 Years On team which completed the three-person, two-day race in 12.59.43 for 40th overall while Regan Stocker was part of the Better Late Than Never team which finished the same category in 62nd place in a time of 13.34.21.

Blues are back

Tasman rugby have confirmed just one Marlborough team will take part in the Tasman Trophy division one rugby competition this year. Central will again fly the flag for this side of the hill, with five Nelson teams taking part. The Moutere club endeavoured to put together a Tasman Trophy side but ultimately were unable to get the numbers required.

Sailing away

Eight sailors from Queen Charlotte Yacht Club picked up podium placings at the recent South Island Age Group Regatta (SIAG) at Charteris Bay Yacht Club. Fourteen QCYC members attended, one of the club’s largest contingents in recent years, among a total entry of 55 boats. Age group podiums from QCYC: Optimist - 11 years and under: Orlo MacFarlane 2nd; Asher Grogan 3rd. 12 years & over: Casper Throssell 3rd. Starling - 13-14 years: Mari Collins 1st; Liam Strack 2nd; Caleb Perano 3rd. 16-17 years: Bailey Robb 1st and 1st Overall. ILCA - Jed Mead 2nd.

Touch selections

Marlborough touch players are well represented in the under-16 boys and girls Panui teams named recently to participate in the forthcoming Regional Homegrown Touch Series. Dylan Gifford and Kale McMillan have been selected in the boys’ team while McKenzie Haronga, Pippa Minhinnick, Greer Sampson and Leia Shaw will represent the girls.