Central, Renwick book premier rugby final berths

Central and Renwick will play off to decide the 2021 Marlborough club rugby premier championship.

Today the Blues disposed of the combined Moutere/Awatere side 36-12 at Lansdowne Park, earning a chance to clinch back-to-back premierships next weekend.

Meanwhile, at the Renwick Domain, the home side came out on top of a thrilling encounter with Waitohi, prevailing 32-30 to give the club a shot at their first Marlborough senior crown.

This was a see-sawing encounter with the Green Machine holding a slight edge throughout. They began strongly, first half tries to flanker Cody Weir, winger Sailasa Leqeti and centre Zac Harrison-Jones allowing them to go into the halftime break leading 20-7.

Waitohi closed to 20-17 through a try to hooker Taimi Fangatua, plus a penalty and conversion to the ever-reliable Corey Bovey but the home side edged away again through a try to first five Alex Barnsley.

Two more Bovey penalties reduced the margin to 25-23 before Renwick came up with the try of the match.

Some superb linking play between backs and forwards, coupled with clinical phase play created space on the left where Weir raced across for his second. Michael Dillon’s conversion provided a nine-point gap with time running out and, although the gallant Tohis picked up a seven-pointer in the final moments, the day belonged to the Green Machine who earned their date with destiny.

In the other semi, Central were made to battle early on but by halftime had a handy 24-7 advantage with two tries to the impressive Seta Baker, one to Peter Vakaloa and a penalty try.

Baker bagged another in the second half to claim a semi-final hat-trick with winger Solomon Vecena claiming their sixth five-pointer. Ethan Jones landed two conversions.

Best of the Blues were first five Mitch Smith, Baker, lock Jack Powell and centre Jack Griffiths.

Ben Finau was at the heart of the combined side’s attack, scoring both their tries. Kaleb Avery and Tuala Tauasosi were the pick of the others.

Division two

The Marlborough division two title will be fought out between Central and Awatere.

The top-qualified Blues downed MBC Old Boys 24-10 at Lansdowne Park while Awatere dug deep away from home to get the better of Moutere 22-17 in an arm-wrestle at Awarua Park.

First XV

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV put up a strong showing against competition leaders St Bede’s College in Christchurch today, but came up short 29-7. MBC remain in eighth place on the competition table with another away fixture next week, against Lincoln Combined in Christchurch to complete the round robin phase of the Miles Toyota competition.

Mako women

Meanwhile the Tasman Mako women came up short against Taranaki in Inglewood this afternoon, losing 34-12.

The first half was tight, the home side scoring three tries, the Mako two, through Eve Findlay and outstanding loosie Sui Pauaraisa to trail 17-12 at the break.

However, the second 40 was one-way traffic, Taranaki scoring three more tries while Tasman were unable to add to their halftime tally.