Blues bounce back

Central’s premier rugby side are back in the winner’s circle.

After losing in the first two rounds of the Tasman Trophy competition, the Blues bounced back with a gritty 24-14 victory over the previously unbeaten Waimea Old Boys side at Lansdowne Park last night.

In an uncompromising, high-quality affair, especially in the first half, Central scored four tries to their opponent’s two, defending stoutly to keep the potent visiting attack at bay.

By the end of the first 40 Central had their noses in front, leading 17-14. They made a blazing two-try start before the visitors replied late in the half with two quick tries of their own to Christian Ioane from close-range lineout drives. The accurate boot of former Mako playmaker Campbell Parata ensured both were converted, leaving the match very much in the balance.

Central’s first half tries were the result of slick support play and hard, direct running. The first went to midfielder Jake Pacey, slicing through close to the line, the second to the versatile Cody Weir, in similar fashion. However, their third, just before the break, was the try of the match, the Blues running through the phases with superb support play, moving the ball right and left before freeing up winger Eric Lawson who scampered over in the corner.

The second half was not as pretty, a heavy dew on the ground and inaccurate passing from both sides combining to create a, at times, messy arm wrestle.

Central enjoyed territorial domination but, through a dogged defence and wayward attack, were unable to find the final pass, while Waimea relied on long range attack and Parata’s educated left foot to get back in the contest.

After much toing and froing, with no shortage of effort, the match-defining score went to the home side in the 76^th minute. A series of close-range attacks on the back of a string of penalties saw replacement loosie Jesse MacDonald crash over close to the posts. Winger Mondre van Heerden converted and the Blues’ had established a 10-point advantage which they preserved to the final whistle.

The home side had plenty of high-level performers, midfielders Pacey and Nigel Satherley constant threats, van Heerden and Clyde Paewai were safe at the back while replacement halfback Bray Taumoefolau made an immediate impact. Up front hooker Manu Leiataua and Quentin MacDonald showed their vast experience, while youngsters Wayden Smith, Jack Kelly and Peyton Yakas were willing and able.

Parata was behind much of Waimea’s best efforts, along with halfback Paddy Gluck, midfielders Sam Briggs and Flynn Bainbridge, plus hard-working forwards Kees Barnes, Tom Heywood and Harry Horncastle.

Central’s next match is away, against Stoke on 2 May.

Points after three rounds: Marist 15, Kahurangi 11, Waimea Old Boys 10, Nelson 6, Central 5, Stoke 1.