Blues bounce back in style

Central’s Tasman Trophy rugby campaign is firmly back on track after they scored a 61-17 win over Kahurangi at Lansdowne Park today.

The Blues won three in a row to push their chances of finishing in the Trophy play-offs, but lost last week to competition leaders Marist. However, this afternoon they bounced back in style, backs and forwards combining smoothly to run in nine tries, four in the first half and five in the second.

This was a top allround effort from Central, all of their integral parts working well. Up front the tight five did their jobs efficiently and showed the occasional touches of class. Sione Papani scored a brace of tries, while fellow prop Quinn Harrison-Jones also carried strongly and made ground throughout the 80 minutes. Young locks Wayden Smith and Kees Brady were full of aggression, while loosies Cody Weir, Jack Kelly and Veuki Taumoefolau were all class and energy.

The inside back crew of halfback Bray Taumoefolau, who scored two tries, guiding light Ben Finau, Jake Pacey and Nigel Satherley, who bagged a hat-trick, are developing a potent combination which will stand the Blues in good stead for the remainder of their campaign.

Kahaurangi were no pushovers, scoring three well-constructed tries, but were outclassed by a side who are relishing playing a fast-moving, wide-ranging, all-action game.

Senior A

In Marlborough senior A action, Central downed Harlequins 39-17 in the Lansdowne Park curtainraiser, marking the Blues’ club day in style.

In Picton, Waitohi came out on top of the battle of the competition frontrunners, downing Renwick 34-12. In Seddon, Awatere downed Pelorus 24-10.

College

Wins are proving hard to come by for the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV in the Miles Toyota premiership, although they came mighty close in Christchurch today.

The Falcons went down 38-36 to St Thomas of Canterbury, who led 21-12 at halftime. Two quick tries after halftime pushed MBC head 24-21 but that was the last time the visitors were able to get their noses in front, the home side pushing ahead 38-29 before a late try and conversion earned MBC two losing bonus points.