Inspired Quins mark reunion in style

four touchdowns and first five Dalton McWhinnie-McKinney who was dangerous throughout.

Wairau 14, Waimea Old Boys 9. Mako trial

The ‘Black Cloud’ returned to Lansdowne Park on Saturday afternoon, albeit temporarily.

To mark the reunion of the famous Opawa club, which merged with Old Boys and Redwood clubs in 1994 to form Harlequins, the current Quins’ division two side donned specially-designed jerseys in Opawa colours for the occasion.

In front of a cohort of former Opawa players, they took on Awatere and came out on top of a hard-fought encounter with a 3813 victory.

Harlequins/Opawa led 19-8 at the halftime break, their pacy outside backs leading the way, spearheaded by centre Bill Cagialau with

Awatere’s best work was done up front, utilising one-off runners to good effect.

In the day’s other division two match, Waitohi beat Central 3421 at Endeavour Park, while Renwick won by default over Pelorus. Division two points: Renwick 25, Waitohi 25, Central 21, Harlequins 15, Pelorus 3, Awatere 2. Meanwhile, in the women’s Tasman Trophy competition, the Wairau Wahine side picked up their first win of the season, downing Waimea Old Boys 26-22 in Nelson on Friday. In the early game at Trafalgar Park, Marist edged out Kahurangi 29-24.

Women’s Tasman Trophy points: Marist 36, Kahurangi 29,

The main game at Lansdowne Park on Saturday was a Mako trial match. In a quality encounter, the Blue side, consisting of Nelson-based players, beat the Red team, predominantly Marlborough-based players. 38-17. The match gave some players on the fringe of NPC selection a chance to strut their stuff in front of the Tasman selectors. Co-head coach Gray Cornelius said he was happy with what he saw.

“In the first half especially there was some good structured play ... the last 20 minutes got a wee bit frantic with a few injuries and changes.

“The boys were pretty gassed but that was the whole point. It was a step up from club rugby and I think it may have opened a few guys’ eyes to the fitness levels required. But it was just good to see how some players reacted to that next level up.

“It was particularly good to see some guys from clubs that may have been struggling so far get a decent shot ... to show their wares with good players around them.” He said a few individuals had caught the eye, including Blue team loosie Seta Baker, Nic and Tim Sauira on the wings and Red team hooker Monu Moli.

“It was also good to see that some of the contracted players on our radar were able to come on and show that they are on track,” added Gray.

The Mako have two pre-season games, against Manawatu at