StuffTasmanTrophykicksoff
After a combative opening round in the top of the south’s premier club rugby competition, last year’s finalists Central and Marist set the early pace.
But it was not without a fight for both teams, with Central edging local rivals Moutere 19-10 at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim last Thursday, and Marist getting past Stoke at Trafalgar Park.
In the other match, Waimea Old Boys beat Nelson at Jubilee Park.
Central 19 Moutere 10
After a fast start, the two-times defending champions Central were made to work hard by neighbours Moutere.
Central player coach Quentin MacDonald said it was awesome to be back playing on Lansdowne Park’s No 1 field before a good crowd. It was plain sailing for Central in the early going, racking up 19 points in the first quarter.
But from there Moutere held the line, and fought back in the second half.
“They showed a bit of class, and they fought tooth and nail right till the end,” MacDonald said.
His standout players were young winger Kolua Fotu, making his premier debut, midfielder Jake Cresswell and flanker Junior Gamble.
Marist 29 Stoke 14
Marist eventually prevailed with two late tries in a match that was much closer than the score suggests.
After Marist dominated the first half taking a 10-point lead at the break, Stoke stormed back in the second, closing to within three points, before the green machine’s late flurry.
Stoke coach Joe Kirker said his team played in the right areas of the field for much of the game.
But they didn’t manage to execute when it counted because of errors and Marist’s solid defence.
Marist coach Kane Hames said both sides could be pleased with their efforts in an evenly contested match. He paid tribute to Stoke’s No 10 Joseph Scott, who marshalled his side well.
For his team, he said No 8 Tom Thornalley and midfielder Liam Boshoff had strong games.
Waimea Old Boys 34 Nelson 19 Waimea Old Boys kicked off the match and the season with a 50/22 and while they didn’t score straight away, it was a mark of intent.
Waimea coach Scott McKenzie said the team built nicely into the game and the pressure turned into points to keep the scoreboard ticking.
His man of the match was No 8 Theo Simone, while he singled out flanker Tim Coman for his defence, and praised the work of halfback Codey Grimes.
Round 2: Saturday, April 6
Marist v Moutere, Trafalgar Park, 1.15pm; Kahurangi v Central, Cooks Reserve, 3pm; Nelson v Stoke, Trafalgar Park, 3pm. (Bye: Waimea Old Boys)