Tue, May 25, 2021 3:47 PM

MBC First XV lose tight encounter

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Peter Jones

An inability to establish and hold field position cost the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV dearly in their interschool match with Shirley Boys’ High School on the MBC front field today.

The visitors prevailed 29-22 in a match where both sides showed an ability to score points when in each other’s “red zone”. However, it was the Christchurch-based outfit who managed to get within striking distance more often, scoring five tries to MBC’s four.

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MBC hooker Toby McLeod prepares to throw to a lineout during today's match on the school front field. Photo Peter Jones.

Shirley opened the scoring, albeit from further out, in the 10th minute but MBC replied immediately, left winger Tom Leonard dotting down twice after clinical, accurate multi-phase build-ups.

With much of the match played between the respective 22s, it became a see-saw encounter, however it was the visitors who seized the initiative, reclaiming the lead on the stroke of halftime with a well-taken try from close range.

Shirley increased their advantage soon after the break, some ineffectual tackling and a poor kick chase allowing the visitors to score twice. Fortunately for MBC their rival goalkicker was having an off day, leaving the home side in the match at 22-10 down.

As time became a factor, MBC lifted their intensity and a series of phases close to the Shirley line allowed No 8 Penisimani Fihaki, playing his first Miles Toyota Championship match, to crash over.

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Jack Burdon drives through a tackle, with support on his inside from Cooper Roberts and Nikau Peipi. Photo Peter Jones 

Kyren Taumoefolau’s conversion brought MBC within five points but Shirley immediately swept onto attack, left winger Deijdre Siaki scoring the clinching try with a heads-up blindside dart to restore his side’s 12-point advantage.

A second try to the imposing Fihaki in the final minutes earned the home side a couple of bonus points but they will have been disappointed to settle for second prize after a battle of two evenly-matched sides.

Halfback Jack Kelly, lock Watson Tahavalu, hooker Toby McLeod, midfielder Jake Pacey, plus Leonard and Fihaki impressed for the home side. First five Jordan Soli, midfielder Luke Atkinson and prop Iveni Nasio showed the way for Shirley.

MBC’s next match is on Thursday, June 3, against old rivals Nelson College in Nelson.

Shirley 29 (Deijdre Siaki 2, Fletcher Johnson, Hoani Gathercole-Smith, Dakota Kakoi tries, Jordan Soli 2 con) MBC 22 (Tom Leonard 2, Penisimani Fihaki 2 tries, Kyren Taumoefolau con). HT: 12-10 Shirley.

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