Marist, Nelson and Waima get opening Tasman Trophy wins

Two of the early favourites for the Stuff Tasman Trophy lock horns for the first time at the weekend when Waimea Old Boys take on Nelson.Both teams started strongly in the opening round on Saturday, with Nelson taking down Stoke 41-14 at Trafalgar Park and Waimea running away from Kahurangi in the second half at Jubilee Park to win 62-31.

In the other opening round match, defending champions Marist beat Central 25-12 in Blenheim.

Waimea coach Kaide Whiting was looking forward to a good early test of his team’s credentials when Nelson visits on Saturday.

“They look like they’re a big ball-carrying team so will be interesting to try to match them up front,” he said.

Whiting said ill-discipline in the first half against Kahurangi put his team on the back foot, although they still held a narrow half-time lead.

“Kahurangi are one of those teams that will always be in the fight, so the longer you leave it the harder they are to get away from.”

But after the break, Waimea were able to string more phases together, and took the game away with a flurry of tries.

Whiting said his teams loose forwards were outstanding, notably substitute Theo Simone.

The game was marred by a serious ankle injury to Kahurangi No 10 Stewart Cruden. He had to be treated by ambulance officers on the field, meaning the match had to continue on an adjoining pitch.

“We all send our best to Stewart ,” Whiting said.

Nelson coach Tom Marshall said the game against Stoke was a lot closer than the final score suggested.

The teams were locked up at halftime before Nelson’s bench and overall fitness made an impact in the final quarter.

Prop Sammy Moimoi scored twice for Nelson and fullback Leo Marfell, in his first game since coming over from Marlborough, looked dangerous in the backs, Marshall said.

He said the contest with Waimea would be tough, with the forward battle a key component.

“It’ll be a good gauge to see where we’re at.”

Marist’s trip over the hill to play Central – never an easy task – was made harder by the late call-ups of brothers Timi and Nic Sauira to the Hong Kong 10s tournament, removing two of their backline stars.

Marist coach Nic Smith said he was proud of his team’s defensive effort against a talented Central side.

Three first-half tries to the Thornalley brothers – two to captain Tom and one to halfback Wil – gave Marist a lead they did not relinquish despite Central’s second-half pressure.

Smith said the team were looking forward to their home opener on Trafalgar Park on Saturday against an exciting, young Stoke side. The forward contest was shaping as the big factor, with heavy rain forecast.

By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail