Magpies celebrate
Moutere senior A No 8 Charles Tupouto'a charges into a tackle during his side's clash with Central at Awarua Park on Saturday. Photos Peter Jones.
Moutere and Waitohi continued to stretch their lead at the top of the Marlborough senior A rugby points table with decisive wins today.
At Awarua Park, Spring Creek, Moutere accounted for Central 36-12, while leaders Waitohi overcame Awatere 45-12 at the Seddon Domain.
It was a big day for the Moutere club who were celebrating the efforts of their 2006 premier and second grade men’s teams, plus their women’s side, who all won their respective titles that season, when the club celebrated its centennial.
It took some time for the present generation of Magpies footballers to assert their dominance, the Blues keeping the scoreline close for much of the clash, before Moutere pulled away in the final stages.
Leading the way for the home side was No 8 Charles Tupouto’a, Jordyn Gardiner, veteran lock Warrick de Waal, who was a member of the 2006 premier side, loosie Esafe Moli, Clyde Paewai and fullback Hugh Robinson.
Central got good value from fullback Nick Malins, lock Liam Young, midfielders Logan Robinson and Vann Jager plus replacements Callum Nimmo and Daniel Karena.
Waitohi scored seven tries in Seddon, leading 21-12 at halftime and shitting the Tussocks out of the match in the second spell to claim the Challenge Trophy.
In the battle of the bottom-placed sides, Pelorus scored a 20-0 win over Harlequins at Lansdowne Park, with two rounds remaining before semifinals.
Standings after 11 rounds: Waitohi 49, Moutere 42, Renwick 31, Awatere 27, Central 23, Pelorus 9, Harlequins 1.