Final chance for Falcons to grab some silverware
Victory to the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV tomorrow will tick at least two boxes.
For a start, they will farewell at least eight of their squad, who will be playing their final games in the blue and gold strip, with an appropriate result.
Secondly, they can end their season with some silverware. It may not be the trophy they coveted when they kicked off the University of Canterbury championship campaign in April, but it would still be a worthy addition to the MBC trophy cabinet.
At noon on the MBC front field, the Falcons take on St Bede’s College for the UC Championship Bowl, effectively a battle for 9th and 10 placings overall.
Last weekend MBC accounted for Lincoln Combined 20-12 in a home semifinal while St Bede’s, who were the bottom qualifier, downed Shirley BHS 36-33 away from home in the other play-off match.
The last time the sides did battle was in the second round, with the Christchurch-based college convincingly coming out on top at their home ground. Their 38-14 victory, after leading 30-7 at halftime, suggested St Bede’s were on their way to a profitable season but, like MBC, they have shown inconsistency and were unable to string a series of good results together.
MBC head coach Gray Cornelius said his side were happy to be playing their final game at home, after taking on some lengthy road trips this season. ‘‘There is a feeling that we have nothing to lose, a chance for the team to go out there and express themselves ... we don’t want to die wondering.
‘‘The last time we played Bede’s they comprehensively beat us so this will be a good yardstick to see how far we have come.’’
Cornelius reckons his side will have to be at the top of their game to prevail. ‘‘We will have to play to our potential if we are to beat them, they are a well-drilled outfit with a dangerous backline.’’
He suggests motivation won’t be an issue for MBC. ‘‘It’s a big deal for our boys that are playing their last game. Some of them have been in the team for three years. It means a lot to them at this stage of their life, so they will be looking to go out with a bang.’’
Although there are several Falcons’ players under injury clouds, Cornelius expects to name a side similar to last week’s for their final showdown.
Meanwhile, the UC Championship final will be fought out between Timaru BHS, in their first title decider, and multiple winners Christchurch BHS, who tipped over Nelson College last week. The second-tier Plate final will be between Waimea Combined and St Thomas of Canterbury.