Wins for Central, Waitohi, MBC

Central’s premier rugby team maintained their unbeaten record against Marlborough opposition this season, eking out a narrow 17-14 victory over Renwick at Lansdowne Park today.

This match was vastly different to the sides’ previous encounter, won 53-28 by Central during the Tasman Trophy round.

Today’s game, the first of three round-robin fixtures in the Marlborough sub-union competition, leading into semifinals and a final, was a closely-fought, see-sawing affair.

Central scored first, prop Tino Vakaloa powering over after seven minutes. However, Renwick replied immediately following the restart, flanker Cody Weir producing a spectacular solo effort. Both were converted as the game settled into an even arm-wrestle. Both sides struggled with continuity, Central suffering lineout issues and Renwick battling with poor option-taking and passing inaccuracy.

The match’s third try came against the run of play, Renwick’s Alex Barnsley intercepting a pass as the Blues swept onto attack and scampering 45m to touch down under the posts. Michael Dillon’s second conversion saw the Green Machine go to halftime with a 14-7 advantage.

Central’s reply came soon after the break, Nigel Satherley crossing under the sticks after a concerted period of pressure from the home side. Ethan Jones’ second conversion saw the scores tied again.

As the match went on play became scrappier, both sides spurning clear-cut chances to ice the result.

Eventually Central decided to break the deadlock with a penalty attempt, which Jones converted from 40m, setting up a frantic finish by the visitors. A string of penalties saw them gain field position and, rather than settle for a possible draw, they opted to push for victory.

But it was not to be their day, a combination of plucky Central defence and lack of clinical finishing when within striking distance denying the Green Machine, who would nonetheless have taken heart from their effort.

Best of the visitors was No 8 Isaiah Miller, Weir, locks Atunaisa Taufa and Jaydn Holdaway, midfielder Kyle Marfell and fullback Dillon.

Front rowers Lockie McCormick, plus Tino and Peter Vakaloa impressed for the Blues, along with lock Jack Powell, flanker Ollie Lawson and skipper Jake Cresswell in midfield.

Scorers: Central 17 (Tino Vakaloa, Nigel Satherley tries, Ethan Jones 2 con, pen) Renwick (Cody Weir, Alex Barnsley tries, Michael Dillon 2 con). HT: 14-7 Renwick.

Meanwhile in Picton, Waitohi began their push for local honours with a 34-15 win over the Awatere/Moutere combined side.

The first half at Endeavour Park was a tit-for-tat battle, ending 17-15 to the home side.

The Tohis seized the initiative early in the second spell, winning a few key moments and “staring to click” according to player/coach Jimmy Giles.

Hooker Taimi Fangatua scored twice for the home side, who also got good service out of Tiare and Karlos Tautari, winger Gannon Karena and loosie Taine Cragg-Love. Corey Bovey proved invaluable from the tee, booting 14 points.

Scorers: Waitohi 34 (Taimi Fangatua 2, Tiare Tautari, Dan Monaghan tries, Corey Bovey 4 con, 2 pen) Awatere/Moutere 15.

In the Marlborough division two competition, leaders Central were beaten 35-33 by Renwick, the Green Machine sealing the deal with the last kick of the match. In other games, Waitohi downed MBC Old Boys 13-12 and Awatere accounted for Havelock 58-8.

In Nelson earlier today, the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV survived a stern challenge from Waimea Combined, grinding out a 34-18 victory.

Skipper Kyren Taumoefolau led the way for the visitors, picking up a hat-trick of tries.

He scored the game’s first five-pointer, which was soon followed by a second to hooker Kobe MacDougall as MBC went to halftime with a narrow advantage.

MBC struck straight after the break as Taumoefolau sliced through some weak defence for his second. However, Waimea responded immediately through an interception before Taumoefolau bagged his third.

The visitors then sealed the deal through Cooper Roberts, his try set up by a storming run from prop Sione Papani.

Scorers: Marlborough 34 (Kyren Taumoefolau 3, Cooper Roberts, Kobe MacDougall tries, Hugh Robinson 3 con, 1 pen) Waimea 18 (Bell, Hawley, tries, Honey 2 pens, 1 con).