Match of a century
Waimea Old Boys are the new leaders of the Stuff Tasman Trophy after beating Central while Nelson knocked over previously unbeaten Marist in a 15-try, 104 point spectacle while Kahurangi found some form with a big win over Stoke.
Marist 47 Nelson 57
In an amazing game of rugby at Trafalgar Park the second half provided full-on entertainment after a tight first half.
Marist led 20-17 at the break and then 67 points were put on in 40 minutes with Nelson running out 8 tries to 7 to win the John Goodman Challenge Trophy.
Nelson coach Tom Marshall said his team’s bench had a big impact, adding quality and experience with “inspirational” 42-year-old prop Zac Taulofa scoring two late tries. Halfback Matt Soper and No 10 Fletcher Hewitt-Smart steered the game well.
The only sour note for Nelson was the season-ending injury to its player of the match, flanker Viliame (Bill) Tuwai, who suffered a broken arm in the 79th minute.
For Marist, winger Adam Schwass bagged four tries and halfback Wil Thornally scored a brace.
Marshall said he was not surprised with the result, having seen the players develop through the season. The competition was shaping up well and “anyone can beat anyone on their day”.
Waimea Old Boys 41 Central 24
On a sunny autumn afternoon before a good crowd at Jubilee Park for the first home game of the season, Waimea delivered with a performance that took them to the top of the table.
Led by a strong forward effort, Waimea started well and scored a crucial try just before halftime to take a 24-7 lead. They pulled further ahead in the second half before Central came back late.
Waimea coach Scott McKenzie said lock Lee McBrydie stood out in the forwards, and the midfield pairing of Hoani Dygas and Sam Briggs controlled the backs well.
Stoke 20 Kahurangi 58
The high-scoring continued at Greenmeadows where the defending champions registered their first win of the season.
Kahurangi, with a completely different team from last year, leading to debuts for 13 players, welcomed back influential No 10 Stewart Cruden who had been playing in Ireland.
Co-coach Mike Wells said Cruden ran their game well, and the return of No 8 Te Puoho Stephens added experience up front.
After a tit-for-tat start, Kahurangi took the game away from Stoke, racking up six first-half tries.
With Tasman Mako fullback Jack Gray returning from the New Zealand 7s team in the next couple of weeks and the club lining up a couple of Japanese players, the club was looking to push on.
They will get a measure of their progress when they take on Marist at Sports Park, Motueka on Saturday, which doubles as the Huia club day.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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