Renwick bounce back in Picton

Renwick won the battle of the Blenheim-based Tasman Trophy rugby sides this afternoon.

The Green Machine travelled to Picton’s Endeavour Park and came away with a comprehensive 27-5 win over home side Waitohi. Both sides were coming off a loss last week, but it was the visitors who seized the initiative today.

From the outset Renwick showed more attitude and accuracy, recycling ball quickly and stringing together multiple phases. Their continuity of possession, allied to a stream of penalties that flowed their way saw them almost completely dominate the first 15 minutes. Tries to hard-working prop Losi Malimali and equally industrious lock Atu Taufa saw them open up a 10-0 lead, which they maintained until halftime.

A feature of Renwick’s work was their defensive attitude and commitment, driving tackles and quick line speed, cutting the Tohis’ attacks short.

Tries to loosies Cody Weir and Sky Boskett-Barnes, soon after the break, consolidated Renwick’s lead and sealed a bonus point, leaving the home side playing catch-up rugby to no avail. A further try, this time to first five Alex Barnsley, clinched the deal, although hooker Taimi Fangatua’s consolation touchdown with 10 minutes to go gave the home fans some consolation.

All members of the victorious side deserved a pat on the back, especially for their defence right across the park. Their energy levels were a big step up after last week’s effort against Central.

For the home side, flanker Taine Cragg-Love carried strongly, as did Fangatua and prop Seymour Lambert, while fullback Gannon Karena tried hard to spark some attack from the back in a losing cause.

The other Blenheim-based side in action today, Central, met Stoke over the hill and came away with a 29-26 loss.

Blues' coach Dave McCormick was proud of the effort his side produced as they pushed one of the top Nelson-based outfits all the way.

A lack of depth on the bench hurt Central, with a few key players absent for this one. However, players such as lightweight flanker Eden Fitzpatrick, Setaleki Baker, Nigel Satherley and Jack Griffin stood up with top efforts.

Central scored four tries, to Quentin MacDonald, Baker, who bagged a brace, and Satherley, to pick up two much-needed bonus points.

Stoke led 17-11 at halftime but the Blues never gave up and rallied to lead with five minutes to go, before the impetus provided by the fresher bench contingent helped get Stoke over the line.        

In other matches Kahurangi beat Waimea Old Boys 35-34 and Wanderers downed Nelson 46-14.

Tasman Trophy points: Kahurangi 30, Waimea 26, Marist 22, Stoke 17, Central 15, Wanderers 15, Renwick 10, Nelson 7, Waitohi 7, Moutere/Awatere 5.

The Moutere women’s team have slipped to second on the Tasman division one table after losing 34-17 to Waimea Old Boys in Nelson this afternoon.

In Marlborough division two action, Moutere beat Pelorus 46-15, MBC Old Boys accounted for Awatere 29-17 and Waitohi drew 24-24 with Renwick.

Meanwhile, in Christchurch, the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV lost 32-23 to championship leaders St Thomas of Canterbury in their Miles Toyota Championship third round encounter.

MBC were in touch for much of the match, closing to 22-16 late in the second spell, but were unable to withstand a strong finish from the home side. MBC next play Shirley BHS in Blenheim on Tuesday.

Other results: Christ’s College 100 Mid Canterbury 3, Nelson 14 St Bede’s 12, Timaru 45 Waimea 12, Rangiora 21 Roncalli 10, Shirley 40 Lincoln 3, St Andrew’s 24 CBHS 13.