Blues in fine fettle

Peter Jones

Central underlined their top-ofthe-table Tasman Trophy rugby status, racking up a half century of points against Moutere at Lansdowne Park on Saturday.

The Blues, who managed a scratchy win against Waitohi last weekend, turned on a free-flowing performance against the Magpies, prevailing 59-10 after holding a narrow 19-10 advantage at the break.

Back on their home ground, it took some time for Central to find their rhythm, Moutere coming out stronger. Led by powerful charges from the likes of hooker Monu Moli, lock Mike Tuipolotu, No8 Charles Tupouto’a, midfielder Jake Pacey and fullback Clyde Paewai they took the game to the favourites, eventually opening the scoring through a penalty to first five Tom Sutherland after 10 minutes. Then, midway through the spell, Central showed how dangerous they are with limited possession. Fullback Jake Cresswell cleverly stepped his way out of trouble near his own line and fed loosie Cody Weir who left all in his wake on a 60m sprint to the line. Player/coach

Quentin MacDonald and impressive loosie Vailua Kaloni dotted down soon to stretch the home side’s advantage to 19-3, but the Magpies continued to fight back, a try to flanker Kaleb Avery and Sutherland’s conversion evening things up at oranges. However, that was as good as it got for the visitors as the Blues, intent on speeding the game up at every opportunity, upped the ante in the second spell.

Straight, hard running, accurate passing and tireless support play saw them pile on six more tries, three to hard-running No 8 Peni Fihaki, a brace to classy centre Nigel Satherley and a second touchdown to Weir. Mitch Smith had a good day off the kicking tee, landing seven conversions as his side raced past the half century mark.

The Blues were well served by locks Matt McCormick and Wayden Smith, halfback Ethan Jones and playmaker Smith, whose decision-making continues to play a big part in Central’s fortunes.

Other Moutere players to shine on a tough afternoon were loosies Arlyn Bull and Archie Schuler, prop Jordan Hart, lock Safi Moli and centre Senetenari Ponesi.

The other Marlborough-based Tas- man Trophy side, Waitohi, travelled across the hill to take on Stoke and came away with a 54-7 defeat at Greenmeadows.

In other games, Kahurangi beat Nelson 45-15 and Marist accounted for Waimea Old Boys 52-14.

Tasman Trophy points: Central 20, Stoke 18, Kahurangi 18, Marist 17, Nelson 5, Waimea OB 5, Waitohi 0, Moutere 0.

In the women’s Tasman Trophy competition, the Wairau side beat Marist 33-17 in a 10-a-side contest at Renwick. In the other match Kahurangi defeated Waimea Old Boys 29-10.

Tasman women’s points: Marist 36, Kahurangi 34, Wairau 19, Waimea OB 9.

In division two action Central downed Renwick 22-17 at Renwick, Waitohi defeated Harlequins 48-10 in Picton while Awatere downed Pelorus 17-0 in Seddon.

Division two points: Waitohi 30, Renwick 26, Central 26, Harlequins 15, Awatere 6, Pelorus 3. Meanwhile, in Christchurch on Saturday, the Marlborough Boys’ College First XV were beaten 2910 by St Thomas of Canterbury in their Miles Toyota premiership clash. They now sit in ninth place in the 10-team competition and meet Christ’s College in Blenheim next weekend.

Miles Toyota premiership points: Nelson College 29, Christchurch BHS 21, St Thomas 15, Christ’s 14, St Bede’s 9, St Andrew’s 7, Selwyn 6, Shirley 6, MBC 5, Timaru 1.

Paul O’Donnell

Antony Clark

Rod Thompson

Richie Marsden

Terry Duff

Peter Jones

Michael Winkler

Matt Ryan

Jayden MacDonald

Brad Taylor

David Sutherland

Glenn Kirby

Simon Muir

Terry Renner

Greg Somerville

Susan Barron

Chris Goodyer

Warren Cairns

Rob Hellstrom

Jamie Norton

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