MBC Falcons in double-header drama

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV experienced fluctuating fortunes in the new South Island Boys’ Schools rugby competition staged over the long weekend.

They played opponents from south of the Waitaki River on both Saturday and Monday as part of the competition’s “Magic Round”, the teams gathering in Christchurch over the long weekend and playing two games apiece.

On Saturday the Falcons fought out a 90-point, 14-try thriller against Otago Boys’ High School, a side they have not played for many seasons.

Playing on the St Bede’s College front field, MBC came out on top of a try-strewn encounter, prevailing 47-43.

Both teams scored seven tries, two more conversions by MBC first five Thomas Blackmore proving the difference when the fulltime whistle sounded.

MBC led 26-24 at the halftime break, a brace of tries to rampaging prop Mason Nicklin, a close-range effort from hooker Zander Keefe from a lineout drive and another from influential winger Vilikesa Nawaqavonovono, plus three Blackmore conversions, edging them in front.

However, they were set on their heels immediately after oranges when the southerners scored their fifth try, the conversion allowing them to take the lead for the first time, 31-26.

But that just sparked MBC into action, their forwards rolling up their sleeves through a multitude of phases to create a 10-minute hat-trick of tries for hard-working lock George Adams, all converted by Blackmore.

Suddenly the northerners were 16 points ahead and despite two late touchdowns to OBHS, MBC were able to hold on through the frantic final stages to claim a well-deserved victory.

Adams, Nicklin, number eight Makalio Ligaliga and flanker Tyler Mulitalo were highly physical up front while halfback Tyrone Langi, Blackmore, midfielder Justin Prescott and Nawaqavonovono were constant threats, the latter saving what looked like being a certain try late in proceedings with a superb chase and tackle on a flying Otago winger.

Head coach Tonga Taumoefolau said that while the result was pleasing, there were aspects of the performance that needed work.

“We certainly showed we are capable of scoring points, but we have definitely got to shore up our D [defence].”

He said the win provided a morale boost for the side. “The belief has always been there, but when you get a good scalp like that, then the boys start to believe a little bit more.”

Today the tables were turned, MBC involved in another high-scoring encounter but this time coming out on the wrong side of a narrow scoreline, losing 35-33 to Dunedin’s King’s High School.

MBC made a horror start, trailing 28-0 after half an hour, but to their credit fought their way right back into proceedings. They had reduced the deficit to 28-7 at halftime then went on a scoring spree, adding four tries, three converted to surge into a 33-28 lead.

However, it was King’s who had the last say, a late converted try edging the southerners in front at the final whistle.

MBC now have a well-deserved few days off before their next competition match, their first at home this season, against old rival Nelson College at Lansdowne Park on Thursday, June 11.