Blues keep play-off hopes alive

Central kept the Marlborough flag flying during the latest round of Tasman Trophy premier rugby today, beating Waimea Old Boys at Jubilee Park in Nelson to keep themselves in the race for a semifinal position.

The Blues’ 24-20 win leaves them sixth on the points table but just a single point off third. With one round remaining, they are the only Marlborough-based side still with a chance of making the play-offs.

Central led from start to finish against the home side, the Blues taking a 17-10 lead into halftime, courtesy of tries to Nigel Satherley, Jone Lasaginabau and Lockie McCormick, one converted by Ethan Jones. In the second spell outstanding lock Jack Powell scored Central’s fourth try, again converted by Jones.

Head coach Dave McCormick said his side had watched footage of the Waimea side and went into the match with a plan, which worked. That, and the fact the Blues were able to field a full bench of reserves, set them up for an important win.

Central’s forwards also played a big role, inspired by the return of the talismanic Quentin MacDonald. They ruled in the lineouts and played with aggression and accuracy in the loose, tackling everything in sight. Satherley was outstanding in the backline, McCormick suggesting “he just gets better and better each week”.

“The boys were well up for this one,” said McCormick. “I’m as proud as punch of their performance.”

The news was not so positive for other team from this side of the hill in action today, Waitohi losing 74-14 to Stoke, that match also in Nelson.

In other games, leaders Kahurangi thrashed Nelson 81-19 and Wanderers continued their resurgence, downing Marist 30-5.

Points: Kahurangi 41, Waimea Old Boys 37, Marist 30, Wanderers 25, Stoke 24, Central 24, Renwick 16, Waitohi 7, Nelson 7, Awatere/Moutere 5.

In division two action it was a good day for the home sides, leaders Central accounting for MBC Old Boys 55-7, Renwick beating Pelorus 39-5 and Awatere eclipsing Moutere 29-5.

Meanwhile, the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV came crashing down to earth in Christchurch this afternoon, being hammered 48-0 by Christ’s College. Both teams came off big wins, Christ’s beating Christchurch BHS in their annual battle and MBC defeating Nelson College, but today it was the home side who backed up their previous heroics.

Other Miles Toyota First XV championship results: St Thomas 66 Lincoln 14, Christchurch 69 Mid Canterbury 17, St Bede’s 45 Roncalli 7, Nelson 63 Waimea 21, Rangiora 34 Shirley 17.