MBC First XV come up short, Marist win Tasman Trophy

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV were unable to withstand a strong second half effort from St Andrew’s College at Lansdowne Park today.

The local side went down 26-17 to the southerners, after the teams were locked together 12-12 soon at the break in the Miles Toyota championship match.

MBC made all the early running, strong carries from No 8 Penisimani Fihaki, midfielders Jake Pacey and Cooper Roberts, plus lock Billy Sloan helping set up a try for right winger Nikau Peipi.

However, the STAC side were made of stern stuff and by halftime had gone ahead, courtesy of two relatively soft tries. The first came from a slick lineout variation, the second from a miscued MBC lineout throw five metres from their own line.

Down 12-5 the home side need an urgent response and got just that, Fihaki crashing over from close range after sustained pressure. Fullback Hugh Robinson converted to level the scores.

But once again STAC replied, taking full advantage as MBC kicked away too much possession and ultimately paid the price.

Two tries, both converted, gave STAC an insurmountable 26-12 advantage with the clock ticking down and, although Fihaki claimed his second try just before the final whistle, MBC were left pointless from a match they should have got something out of.

The home side’s ball movement at times was slick and incisive, spreading play to both sides of the field and creating holes in STAC’s defence. Halfback Jimmy Morris cleared the ball well, while loosies Josh Hammond and outstanding leader William MacKenzie were strong over the ball and ever-present in support.

St Andrew’s were well served by powerful loosies Will Stodart and Torian Barnes, plus first five Jack Harding and elusive fullback Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, their ability to take full advantage of field position and weight of possession telling in the final wash-up.

Scores. St Andrew’s College 26 (Connor Newton, Tamati Frost, Torian Barnes, Arthur Inkson tries, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula 3 con) Marlborough Boys’ College 17 (Nikau Peipi, Penisimani Fihaki 2 tries, Hugh Robinson con). HT: 12-5 STAC

Other Miles Toyota Championship scores: Nelson College 29 Shirley 9, Lincoln Combined 26 Mid Canterbury 19, Christ’s College 29 Roncalli 0, St Bede’s 77 Waimea 17, Timaru 15 Christchurch BHS 8, St Thomas 41 Rangiora 12.

In Marlborough division two play today, Central beat Pelorus 39-10, Moutere took care of MBC Old Boys 38-25 and Awatere downed Waitohi 29-10.

Meanwhile, the Tasman Trophy final was played at Trafalgar Park in Nelson, with Marist making it a three-peat of titles, getting up 20-18 over top qualifier Kahurangi.

Marist were down 13-0 in the early stages to a fired-up Kahurangi outfit but weathered the storm to get themselves in front with 15 minutes to play, tries to Caleb Havili and Hopoate Taufa helping close the gap.

However, Kahurangi winger Jan Lammers’ try saw them move ahead by a single point as the game went down to the wire.

With five minutes to play Marist were awarded a penalty 35 meters from the posts and Sam Briggs made no mistake, ensuring it would be three Tasman Trophy titles on the trot for the Green Machine.