Timaru too strong for MBC
Marlborough Boys’ College’s push towards the top of the University of Canterbury rugby championship table was derailed by a tough opponent in Blenheim on Saturday.
The Timaru Boys’ College First XV came away with a 22-7 victory over the home side, although the final scoreline was not a true indication of the tight battle that ensued.
MBC made a stronger start, taking early advantage of some battle-weariness in their opponents who had played a tough game midweek.
Prop Peter Vakaloa opened the scoring for the home side, plunging over after a well-constructed forward drive. Fullback Ethan Jones’ conversion gave the Falcons a 7-0 advantage and they continued to apply pressure as the penalties began to mount against Timaru.
When Timaru ventured into MBC territory stiff defence sent them back, but the home side were unable to turn their territorial and possession advantage into points.
A couple of penalty attempts were missed and poor handling foiled some promising attacks as the Falcons created several chances they were unable to convert.
Since the outset the Timaru scrum held sway, anchored by impressive front rowers Shane Fikken and Thomas Edwards at prop and livewire hooker Melvin Panui.
They picked up several tightheads and it was from one of these they created their first try.
After forcing a lineout close to MBC’s line they created a series of pick-and-goes before flanker Finlay Joyce forced his way over.
Trailing 7-5 at the break the visitors changed gear, reverting to their favoured formula of forward power, utilising runners close to the breakdown effectively.
Within five minutes they had their second try, Panui surging
Timaru BHS 22 (Melvin Panui 2, Finlay Joyce, Tevita Eukaliti tries, Hayden McNulty con) Marlborough Boys College NZ King Salmon 7 (Peter Vakaloa try, Ethan Jones con). HT: 7-5 MBC. over on the back of an unstoppable lineout drive. Five minutes later the nuggety hooker was in again, driving over from close range to give his side a 17-7 lead.
With the penalty flow now firmly against the home side, whose discipline began to wane in the second spell, the writing was on the wall and Timaru iced the result with a bonus point try, scored by left winger Tevita Eukaliti.
The victors were well served by loose forwards Joyce, Cullen Grace and imposing No 8 Maka Mafileo. Halfback Caleb McNoe was a lively presence behind the pack while midfielder Brad Cvitanich provided strong running and stour defence.
The home side were left ruing lost opportunities in the first 40.
They had the chance to build a decent lead, and put pressure on a Timaru side who struggled initially, but inexperience and inaccuracy cost them dearly.
Halfback Jack Shadbolt had a strong game, although incurring the referee’s wrath at times, midfielder Nigel Satherley did his best to provide go-forward, as did Vakaloa and centre Heath Murphy.
Pick of the MBC side was flanker Mitchell Boyce who tackled himself to a standstill.
MBC head coach Gray Cornelius said his side had been ‘‘pretty gutsy’’ after leaving ‘‘the best part of 12 to 15 points out on the park in the first half’’.
‘‘We created opportunities and were still in the fight with about five minutes to go, but they outmuscled us a fair bit, ground us down really.’’
Next week MBC meet Burnside High School, also at home.