No luck for Tasman Trophy contenders

There was no joy for the pair of Marlborough-based Tasman Trophy rugby teams in action this weekend.

In Brightwater today, Renwick slumped to a 26-10 defeat against Wanderers.

On a muddy field, with incessant rain, the Green Machine showed a lot of character but were ultimately forced to bow to the home side, whose pack was anchored by the three Moli brothers – All Blacks prop Atu, Mako hooker Sam and Monu, last season’s MBC First XV skipper.

While it was obviously a shame for the visiting players to see three such high-profile MBC First XV members plying their trade over the hill, instead of for a Marlborough club, it was heartening to see all three fit and well and enjoying their rugby together.

There was not much in this one, which the home side led 14-10 at halftime. Renwick had their opportunities, especially in the first half, but a combination of handling errors and poor options cost them. On the other hand, Wanderers, boosted by a strong bench which included Atu Moli, were more clinical and scored four tries to the visitors’ one.

Best on show for Renwick were loosies Cody Weir, Sky Boskett-Barnes and Isaiah Miller, plus halfback Rua Swan and tryscorer Falaula Fotu Moala.

On Friday night the combined Awatere/Moutere side were comprehensively beaten by competition leaders Kahurangi, going down 55-3 in Riwaka.

Awatere/Moutere coach Kaleni Taetuli said his side had addressed the problem of their traditionally slow starts throughout the week and this time they began well, holding the home side for the first quarter. However, Kahurangi soon established field position and began to apply pressure, using a wide game despite the slippery conditions and it eventually took its toll on the visitors.

At halftime a sole penalty to Scott Roulston was all Awatere/Moutere had to show for their efforts, while Kahurangi already had four tries on the board.

It weas much the same story in the second spell, coach Taetuli suggesting the difference in the respective side’s skill levels meant his charges were continually on the back foot.

“It’s back to the drawing board for us,” he said. “We will focus on the local competition now ... we are hoping to build some confidence going into that.”