Rugby sides reach finals

Two Marlborough rugby sides will feature in next weekend’s Tasman Trophy rugby finals.

At Lansdowne Park today, Central earned a chance to play for a men’s Tasman Trophy ‘three-peat’ when they overcame what was initially a stern challenge from Stoke to prevail 38-10. They will play Kahurangi in Motueka on Saturday, after the top-qualifiers defeated Waimea Old Boys 38-20 this afternoon.

Meanwhile, at Awarua Park, the Moutere women’s side also booked a date at the big show with a 27-15 victory over Kahurangi. Next week they will play top-qualifier Marist in the title-decider on Nelson’s Trafalgar Park.

The women’s game was tied up 5-5 after a scrappy first 40 but the Magpies made most of home advantage, became more composed and pulled away in the second spell.

Number eight Niska Scott scored a try in both halves, with Hannah Gillespie, Bryher Jager and Fiaali'i Solomona bagging the others. Halfback Maddison Reid landed a conversion to complete the scoring.

In the men’s semifinal at rugby HQ, Central were immediately on the back foot as Stoke came out with fire and defensive intensity, hooker Eli Oudenryn charged down an attempted clearance to put the visitors ahead early.

However, it was not long before the Blues’ main men began to stamp their mark on proceedings, player/coach Quentin MacDonald and Highlanders player Timoci Tavatavanawai touching down before the break, the powerhouse winger crossing the line twice.

Ahead 21-10 at halftime, the Blues then flexed their offensive muscle, a brace of tries to livewire loosie Jack Kelly and a third to Tavatavanawai completing a satisfying afternoon. Mitch Smith landed four conversions.

MacDonald said having to travel away for a final would be a new experience for the Blues, and a challenge they welcomed after having the previous two finals at Lansdowne Park.

“It is exciting. We have earned ourselves one more week. Semifinals are always hard games to win because it is hard not to have one eye on the final.

“We know Kahurangi away will be tough but we have a lot of experience … we get excited around this time of the year and just want to do well.

“We will prepare well and go over there and give it a good shot.”

The finalists have shared the honours in their previous two encounters this season, Central winning away 23-20 in April and Kahurangi prevailing 28-19 at Lansdowne Park in May, setting the scene for a memorable decider.

Division two

The semifinalists in the Marlborough division two competition have been confirmed – Renwick meeting Awatere and Waitohi taking on Central.

In today’s final round robin matches Awatere warmed up for the finals with a 38-19 win over Central in Seddon, while Renwick downed Waitohi 35-19 in Renwick.

In the other match, played in Havelock, Pelorus beat Harlequins 24-10.

Final points: Renwick 46, Waitohi 35, Central 28, Awatere 25, Pelorus 10, Harlequins 6.

First XV

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV continued their topsy-turvy season with a hefty 46-14 loss to Christchurch Boys’ High School in Christchurch today. MBC sit sixth on the Miles Toyota premiership table, with home games remaining against Selwyn Combined and St Bede’s before the play-offs.