Crunch match for MBCin Ashburton

The Marlborough Boys’ College First XV head into the final month of their University of Canterbury championship campaign with a trip to Ashburton.

The play Mid Canterbury Combined at Ashburton College tomorrow, needing a solid victory to kick start the latter stages of their season.

After a much-needed school holiday break, where the team enjoyed a rare nine days off from rugby training, the MBC Falcons are refreshed and ready for the challenge.

‘‘The break couldn’t have come at a better time,’’ said head coach Gray Cornelius.

‘‘We desperately needed some time off. Many of the players were battling with illness and carrying injuries. The demands of the season, both playing and travelling, have taken their toll.’’

However, Cornelius said he had detected a freshness at training this week, a good sign leading into a fix- ture that has posed problems for MBC in the past. Although Mid Canterbury Combined have won only once this season, they are a handy combination.

Last year the sides drew 10-10 in cold, wet conditions, which are also expected on Saturday, with Cornelius saying one of the major challenges his side will face is dealing with the wintry weather. MBC will be without the Vakaloa brothers, Peter and Tino, who are recovering from injury.

Several of the MBC crew were involved in the Crusaders Junior Knights trials during the break, midfielder Nigel Satherley making the final cut and being chosen to play against their Hurricanes region counterparts last weekend.

MBC conclude their season with a home clash against Christchurch BHS on July 29, then away fixtures against Lincoln HS and St Thomas.

The school’s annual fundraiser takes place on the evening after the CBHS match. Among auction items are a spa pool, signed All Blacks and Lions jerseys plus a valuable bottle of Grange wine.