One out of three for Marlborough teams

Marlborough teams picked up just one win from three starts on side, into the Tasman Trophy competition and, although well beaten, showed admirable grit and spirit.

Waimea Old Boys shot out to a 17-0 halftime lead, which they inflated to 22-0 soon after the break. However, the home side with a scrappy bonus point victory, scoring five tries along the way. Leading from the front was skipper Braden Stewart with a brace of touchdowns, Nigel Satherley, Josh Harrison and Sione Lonitenisi also dotting down. Mitch Smith added two conversions.

In Nelson, Waitohi were unable to trouble the powerful Marist combination, going down 50-7. Gannon Karena scored Waitohi’s sole try, with Corey Bovey slotting the conversion.

The other Tasman Trophy clash provided an enthralling scoreline, Kahurangi and Stoke fighting out a 42-42 draw in Motueka.

The women’s Tasman Trophy game between Wairau and

Waimea Old Boys, scheduled for Awarua Park, was called off at late notice due to a personal issue in the Waimea camp. In the other women’s game, Marist beat Kahurangi 34-22.

Just two games were played in the Marlborough division two competition, Waitohi downing Harlequins 39-7 at Lansdowne Park, while Renwick maintained their unbeaten record with a 2722 win over Central at the same venue. MBC Old Boys have withdrawn from the division two competition, leaving just six teams to contest the title from now on. Division two points: Renwick 20, Central 12, Waitohi 10, MBC Old Boys 10, Awatere 7, Harlequins 5, Pelorus 2.