Stalemate at the Renwick Domain

Waitohi retained their unbeaten status in the Marlborough senior A rugby competition today – but only just.

Playing against a spirited Renwick side at the Renwick Domain, the competition leaders were forced to settle for a 29-29 draw, a sideline conversion attempt which would have decided the contest in Renwick's favour sliding just past the left upright.

For much of the first half the visitors dominated, taking a 19-5 advantage into the break with tries to Vance Pook, Dylan Burns and Couper Robinson, two converted by Dylan McManaway. A touchdown to winger Sam Vularika was Renwick’s only reply.

However, it did not take long in the second spell for the home side to respond. Blockbusting midfielder Matt Patterson scored twice, both adjacent to the posts, with Max Brydon’s conversions tying up the scoreline.

The Mud Dogs moved ahead soon after, centre Mesake Cataki crossing to give them a 24-19 advantage.

After some stout goal line defence denied Renwick, who continued to build momentum, Waitohi cleared their 22 and set up Burns for his second try in the left corner.

McManaway’s successful sideline conversion delighted the travelling supporters who were further buoyed when Robinson slotted a handy penalty to give the Tohis a 29-24 lead with five minutes to play.

But the home side were not done and, cheered on by their usual enthusiastic support base, they mounted a late attack, sending replacement Jay Tuikilakila over in the left corner. Brydon’s conversion attempt, although well struck, was off target and there was barely time for a restart before referee Cody Golding blew fulltime on a thrilling encounter.

Co-captain Jaydn Holdaway, fellow loosie Mana Matebau, halfback Jayden Lister, Patterson and Vularika were prominent for Renwick. No 8 Campbell Hart, hooker Pook, flanker Burns, halfback Ryan McLeod and midfielder Mason Larringon caught the eye for the visitors.

In the other senior A matches today, Awatere beat Pelorus 38-3 and Central tipped over Harlequins 43-10. With one round to play before semifinals, the battle for third, fourth and fifth spot is well and truly alive.

Senior A points: Waitohi 52, Moutere 42, Renwick 34, Awatere 32, Central 28, Harlequins 6, Pelorus 6.

The only other match played today was the women’s Tasman Trophy final, taken out by favourites Kahurangi, who beat Waimea Old Boys 46-13 at Cooks Reserve.