Blues bag rugby prize

Rugby’s John Goodman Challenge Trophy is back on this side of the Whangamoas after Central tipped over holders Waimea Old Boys at Jubilee Park, Nelson today.

The Blues’ topsy-turvy season continued, following up a hefty loss to cellar-dwellers Stoke last weekend with a free-scoring 47-38 victory over Waimea, who took the coveted trophy off Marist last weekend.

The Tasman Trophy clash was decided in the final eight minutes. Central trailed 35-38 but came home strongly, boosted this week by the presence of club stalwart and Highlander captain Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Firstly, livewire loosie Jack Kelly scored from close range to put the visitors in front, Jake Pacey’s conversion pushing them ahead 42-38, then, in the final minutes, the versatile Ben Finau crashed over to clinch a well-deserved victory.

Although veterans such as Tavatavanawai and Quentin MacDonald, who scored twice, made an impact, all the Blues side stood up, matching the home side’s passion and aggression, then controlling the vital last quarter.

With Central being away to Nelson in the final round next weekend, the trophy will stay in Marlborough for the summer.

In other results, Stoke beat Kahurangi 50-5 and Marist overcame Nelson 48-45 on a day when points aplenty were scored.

Points table after nine rounds: Marist 42, Nelson 30, Waimea Old Boys 29, Central 26, Stoke 13, Kahurangi 12.

In the Tasman Trophy women’s match played at Awarua Park, Moutere went down 49-5 to the table-topping Kahurangi side. Both sides endeavoured to play flowing, entertaining rugby but the Magpies found the speed and skills of the slick visiting backline too hard to contain for long. In the other women’s match, Waimea beat Marist 67-21.

Senior A

The three pace-setters in the Marlborough senior A competition scored wins during the seventh round today.

Waitohi accounted for Pelorus 51-0 at the Havelock Domain, Renwick beat Central 50-12 at Lansdowne Park while Moutere eased past Awatere at Spring Creek 25-24.

The Moutere v Awatere match was a thriller, with the Tussocks making all the early running to lead 21-5 at halftime. However, the Magpies, with help from their strong bench, fought their way back into it, a try to Kaleb Avery from a lineout drive finally putting them ahead 22-21.

But the Tussocks were not done, surging back onto attack and earning a penalty which Lewis Renner converted to push them back in front 24-22 with just a few minutes remaining on the referee’s watch.

Amid the desperate battle for possession that ensued from the kick-off, Awatere were penalised for a high tackle and replacement first five Hugh Robinson stepped forward from 35m to clinch victory with the final act of the match.

Jordyn Gardiner, Finn Neal, Charles Tupouto’a, Jimmy Morris, Tom Sutherland and Ethan Kahui had strong games for the home side, with midfielder Tristian Taylor their outstanding player.

The Tussocks also had plenty of top performers, Jake Collins, Angus Phillips, Toby McLay Davis, Billy Collins and replacement Ono Levu Temo catching the eye.

Points after seven rounds: Waitohi 34, Renwick 30, Moutere 26, Awatere 17, Central 14, Pelorus 4, Harlequins 1.