Blues come out on top in 13-try trophy encounter

Central moved into the top three of the Tasman Trophy rugby competition with their third consecutive win today.

In a free-flowing thriller at Lansdowne Park the Blues accounted for Nelson club 41-36.

Although the margin was only five at the final whistle, Central took command of the match through the middle stages of the second spell, after leading 22-17 at the break.

They shot out to a 41-22 lead on the 60-minute mark and looked to have the game in the bag. However, Nelson are a dangerous side and sparked by a standout performance from former Marlborough man Leo Marfell, they roared back with two converted tries as the game lost all shape and structure, to make the final few minutes nervous viewing for the Central faithful.

Hooker Quentin MacDonald, No 8 Ben Finau and midfielder Nigel Satherley each scored doubles as the Blues ran in seven tries to their rivals’ six touchdowns.

Along with the tryscorers, prop Quinn Harrison- Jones, flanker Cody Weir, lock Wayden Smith, midfielder Jake Pacey and halfback Bray Taumoefolau stood out.

Other winners today were Marist, who beat Kahurangi 63-14 and Waimea Old Boys, who accounted for Stoke 49-5.

Points: Marist 25, Waimea OB 17, Central 15, Nelson 13, Kahurangi 12, Stoke 2.

In the Tasman Trophy women’s competition, Moutere were beaten 97-0 by Waimea.

Senior A

In the grassroots Senior A competition, wins today went to Pelorus, Waitohi and Moutere.

Moutere beat Central 31-26 in a thriller at Lansdowne Park, Waitohi downed Awatere 47-0 at Endeavour Park, Picton and Pelorus beat Harlequins 12-5 in Havelock.

College

Meanwhile, the Marlborough Boys’ College’s tough start to the season continued today in Geraldine, where they lost 59-33 to Southland Boys’ High School. The match was MBC’s first in the South Island Boys’ Colleges competition.