Central get better of Nelson

Central staged a strong second half effort to overcome Nelson 24-7 during their Tasman Trophy clash at Lansdowne Park today.

The match was played on a firm ground, despite incessant rain, with both sides preferring to carry the ball as they sought to establish field position.

The Blues opened the scoring in the first few minutes, a well-timed pass from midfielder Nigel Satherley putting Solomon Tui into space 35m from Nelson’s line, the winger’s pace doing the rest. Fullback Simon Duncan converted.

However, Nelson were quick to reply on the back of a strong scrummaging effort, midfielder Pita Siale bursting through a weak tackle to dot down. His try was converted by first five Patrick Miller-Leef, leaving the scores locked at 7-7, a score which remained until the break, despite Nelson putting intense pressure on the home side’s line.

After oranges, Central came out firing. An error from the kick-off game them field position and they hoed into their work, Satherley bursting over after a succession of phases. Duncan added the conversion then, 10 minutes later, slotted a penalty to give the Blues a 10-point buffer.

Playing catch-up rugby in driving rain was always going to be tough for Nelson and when they lost possession in midfield, Tui swooped to gather the ball and race away for his second, Duncan’s third conversion effectively sealing the outcome.

The re-shaped Blues’ inside backline of skipper Jake Cresswell, Satherley and centre Jack Griffiths were strong on both sides of the ball, hooker Tino Vakaloa, lock Jack Powell and loosie Vailua Kaleni stood out up front but it was open side flanker Setaleki Baker who caught the eye, his dynamic ball-carrying giving the home side valuable go-forward.

Meanwhile, on a boggy Endeavour Park in Picton, Waitohi let a first half lead slip on their way to a 32-14 loss to Waimea Old Boys.

The Tohis led 14-10 at the break, two tries to outstanding hooker Taimi Fangatua, both converted by Corey Bovey, gave the home side halftime hope, but the visitors dominated the second spell, rattling up 22 unanswered points.

Their kickers cleverly booted Waimea into good field position from where they racked up the points.

Despite their defeat, Waitohi player/coach Jimmy Giles said his side had made a “massive improvement” on their previous week’s effort, a loss to Renwick. Bovey, who made his first start after a long injury break, was impressive, along with Fangatua and returning prop Chris Goodyer.

In the other Tasman Trophy clash, Renwick downed Moutere/Awatere 36-7 at Awarua Park. The Green Machine held a narrow 14-0 lead at halftime which they steadily extended through the second spell. In Nelson, Marist beat leaders Kahurangi 21-18.

The Moutere women's team scored a sizeable victory, accounting for Wanderers 51-7 at Awarua Park, while Waimea downed Riwaka 42-10 in the other women's game.  

In division two, Moutere beat MBC Old Boys 34-5.