Sports briefs

Aiden sixth

MBC rower Aidan Bennett finished sixth in his first world competition, teaming up with Charlie Manser in the A final of the men's double sculls at the under-19 World Championships over the weekend. The field in the men's double was the largest on the programme with 31 entries, meaning reaching the final was a victory in itself.

Falcons floored in final game

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV ended their season in Kaikoura on Saturday with a narrow 34-31 loss to Shirley Boys High School. The defeat means MBC will finish bottom of the Miles Toyota Premiership standings but will remain in the top echelon as there is no promotion/relegation this season.

Pool play for Poppy

Marlborough water polo player Poppy Clark has been selected in the New Zealand under-18 women’s team for the Australian National State Water Polo Championships in Melbourne from 29 September to 3 October. She will play alongside former MGC team-mate Koko Wong in the squad.

Super swimming

The two Blenheim Swimming Club competitors at the New Zealand Secondary Schools champs in Auckland had outstanding campaigns. Will Atkinson claimed a national title, recording a personal best of 25.12 to win the 50m butterfly. He also claimed silver in the 100m fly and bronze in the 200m fly, both with personal bests. Showing his versatility, Will finished sixth in the 100m backstroke and fifth in the 50m freestyle. Carys McNabb also moved into new territory, producing four PBs from five events and two top 10 finishes (10th in 100 fly and 6th in 200 fly).

Keanu bags boxing belt

Young boxer Keanu Tapata Stephens made a highly successful step up to the under-54kg division at the recent Canterbury champs, claiming a silver medal and a highly-coveted award. Keanu had two fights in two days. In his first bout he beat Jackson Ditfort from Papanui, then took on Zac Mulligan from the Southern Queens Boxing Club, Keanu losing on a points decision. His efforts over the weekend earned Keanu the prized Mick Drury Belt, awarded to the most scientific boxer of the tournament, picked out of around 60 boxers competing over the weekend.

Malan’s back

Heinrich Malan returns to the role of Central Stags head cricket coach. Malan mentored the Stags from 2013 to 2019, winning five national trophies. He returns to Hawke’s Bay as a successful international coach whose recent achievements include Ireland men’s first win against T20 world champions India, in a series whitewash. He has signed a three-year contract with CDCA, taking over the reins of the Stags from Greg Hay (interim Plunket Shield and Ford Trophy Head Coach for last season) and Ben Smith (Super Smash).

CBHS are champs

Christchurch Boys' High School are the inaugural South Island Boys' Schools Network 1st XV champions. Southland Boys' High School were second with St Bede's College third on the podium. Marlborough Boys’ College finished 10th out of the 11 participating schools.