Grassroots rugby thriller

Waitohi mounted a late comeback to claim a one-point win over Moutere in an exciting and well-supported senior A clash at Awarua Park this afternoon.

Despite taking an early lead, the defending champs trailed by much of the remainder as the home side took the game to them and made the most of their opportunities.

With their bench players providing impetus, Waitohi eventually edged ahead 22-21 with two converted tries late in the second spell and were able to cling to that lead, although Moutere missed a couple of handy penalties in the final minutes which would have edged them back in front.

Midfielder Tristian Taylor scored a brace of tries for Moutere, running hard and straight, while fullback Couper Robinson did the same for the seasiders, showing a clean pair of heels to the defence on a couple of occasions.

In other results, Renwick accounted for Harlequins 52-12, the match played at the Renwick Domain, while Central downed Pelorus 37-0 at the Havelock Domain.

College lose opener

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV have made a disappointing start to their 2026 Miles Toyota premiership, slumping to a narrow 27-21 loss to Shirley Boys’ High in Christchurch today.

Tasman Trophy

In men's Tasman Trophy action, Central made it back-to-back wins and put themselves well into the play-off picture with a free-flowing 53-28 victory over Stoke at Greenmeadows in Nelson.

The Blues scored nine tries, four of which they converted, while their rivals scored four converted tries.

In other results today, Nelson beat Kahurangi 43-24 and Marist downed Waimea Old Boys 41-40.

The women’s Tasman Trophy competition began today, with Moutere hosting Marist at Awarua Park in the opening round.

After a close first half, at the end of which Marist held a slender 7-5 advantage, the visitors from Nelson scored a further three tries, to two from Moutere, to wrap the game up 24-15.

After shedding some early rust, both sides produced encouraging glimpses of continuity and put together some fine passages of play.

Playmaker Iva Sauira led the Marist side confidently while Hannah Gillespie was in fine form for the home side, both on attack and defence.

In the other women’s match today, Kahurangi beat Nelson 77-0.