Manson’s four tries not enough to stop unbeaten Baabaas

THE Eastern Northern Barbarians maintained their unbeaten record in Southland premier club rugby with a 3525 win over Blues at Balmoral Drive on Saturday.

Barbarians first five Levi Emery converted his team’s five tries while the Blues’ conversion attempts were flagged away.

The game was played on a firm track across the road from the main field. Blues left winger Michael Manson scored four tries on his own and set up his team’s fifth.

Barbarians coach Bretton Taylor said he could not blame anyone on his team for not getting near Manson.

“I’ve never seen anyone that quick on a rugby field. They use him well. He doesn’t need much space.”

Taylor said Manson had more to his game than just speed.

“He earned a turnover and seemed to tackle all right. He’s a real asset.”

Openside flanker Leroy Ferguson was outstanding for the Baabaas, while prop Tom Scanlon had his coach labelling him the best scrummager in the region.

Like most clubs, the Barbarians are managing injured players. No 8 Jacob Coghlan, halfback Jahvis Wallace, second five Angus Simmers and utility back Jordan Maher have missed the past three games, but the depth at the club is good this year.

Midlands, struggling with injuries, defaulted to Pirates Old Boys.

Hawks coach Ben McHugh said it was disappointing for his team with players, including hooker Tua Tuapatiu and four Japanese players, desperate for game time.

‘‘We understand how it can happen, though. We went from battling to get 22 premier quality players stripped to having 28 very capable players at training.’’

Pirates Old Boys halfback Josh Murrell has been in the United States, and he and Greg Dyer will soon be back to bolster the backline.

Woodlands beat Star 4831 at Waverly Park.

Woodlands scored five tries in the first half to lead 2912, and coach Richard Jones said it was a good, physical contest.

“There is always a bit of heat when we play Star — we had a couple players needing stitches. Star has got some big boys and they play direct and carry the ball hard.”

Jones said his team lacked discipline at times.

Young first five Sean Howlett was strong on defence, and midfielders Sossi Tuimavavi and Drew Carter also did a lot of tackling against the big Star ball carriers, Jones said.

Star veteran Josh Bekhuis was unavailable on Saturday but the club had a handy replacement in the second row in fellow Stag Grayson Knapp. Winger Hughan Sharp scored two of Star’s five tries.

Marist had the bye, so players not involved in the State of Origin game on King's Birthday will be wellrested for their next club game on June 10.