Blues open with big win
Central opened the Marlborough sub union senior rugby competition with a comprehensive 39-11 victory over Waitohi at Picton’s Endeavour Park this afternoon.
The Blues were heavily favoured heading into the season’s first match-up, taking on a rejigged Waitohi outfit, a side including nine players making their premier rugby debuts.
However it was the home side who began stronger, two Corey Bovey penalties pushing them out to a 6-0 lead after 15 minutes.
Playing into a slight breeze, Central took time to settle but were rewarded in the 16th minute when they finally made their way into the home side’s 22. Right winger Owen Ika was the recipient as the Blues maintained possession close to the goal line and began to break down Waitohi’s defense.
Five minutes later they were in again, wily hooker Quentin MacDonald pulling off a slick front-of-the-lineout move with his brother Jesse to dot down unopposed.
Flanker Ollie Lawson scored their third, after some slick inter-passing opened up a hole close to the Waitohi line, then they bagged a bonus point try before halftime, hard-running No8 Peni Fihaki strolling over from a 5m scrum immediately after the home side had lock Mike Tuipolotu sinbinned for repeated infringements.
Although none of their tries were converted, Central were comfortably ahead 20-6 at the break, controlling set piece ball well and dominating territorially.
Waitohi made changes at the break, Karlos Tautari and Kyren Taumoefolau replacing Ryan McLeod and Corey Bovey in the inside backs. Hooker Taimi Fangatua also entered the fray, replacing Jake Collins.
However, play continued to swing Central’s way and they soon had their fifth try, replacement winger Harry McKenzie dotting down.
This time it was converted, first five Riaihe Jacobs doing the honours and the Blues led 27-6. Their next try was scored by David Fotu, whose sidestep left his marker clutching at air, while another replacement, loosie Eden Fitzpatrick, bagged their seventh in the final minute.
Sandwiched between those efforts was the home side’s only try, scored in typical fashion by Fangatua from a 5m lineout drive, just reward for a side that never stopped trying but were unable to regularly exert enough pressure on their opponents to make them uncomfortable in possession.
Halfback Ethan Jones showed a cool head and some clever tactical options behind the Blues’ pack, while Fihaki and new loose forward Mataiasi Pangai were explosive ball carriers.
Jesse MacDonald, in the unfamiliar tight head prop role, played a strong hand, as did Lawson, plus lofty lock Jack Powell.
Waitohi were well led by flanker Taine Cragg-Love, while fellow forwards Fangatua, Andre Hebberd and Mike Tuipolotu worked hard on both attack and defence.
Midfielder Veuki Taumoefolau showed promise, as did halfbacks McLeod and Tautari in a side which needs more rugby to establish combinations and gain much-needed confidence.
Scorers: Central 39 (Owen Ika, Quentin MacDonald, Dave Fotu, Eden Fitzpatrick, Ollie Lawson, Harry McKenzie, Peni Fihaki tries, Riaihe Jacobs 2 con) Waitohi 11 (Taimi Fangatua try, Corey Bovey 2 pen). HT: 20-6
Nelson sub-union results: Marist 66 Nelson 0, Stoke 37 Waimea Old Boys 19, Kahurangi 29 Wanderers 20.