Blues dig deep to get job done

in, he just solidified the backs.”

The Tasman Trophy remains firmly in Central’s hands after a nail-biting final at Lansdowne Park on a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon.

The Blues were forced to dig deep into their stocks of energy, players and determination, holding a powerful Marist side scoreless in the second half to record an historic 20-16 victory, one of the grittiest in their 117-year history. It was just the third Tasman Trophy victory for a Marlborough-based side, and the first time a team from this side of the hill has registered back-to-back wins in the top of the south club rugby showpiece.

Nelson side Marist, who dumped top qualifier Kahurangi out of contention last weekend, put up a determined, power-packed challenge, at times dominating in all areas except the scoreboard.

However, the Blues stood firm and, after trailing 16-14 at the break, used the breeze at their back to continually push the visitors back into their own half and harass them into errors with scrambling defence.

Ultimately, two penalty goals by Central first five Mitch Smith propelled Central into the lead, the last one coming with just two minutes remaining on the clock. Marist threatened late but Central held their nerve to wind the clock down, leaving man of the match, Timoci Tavatavanawai to boot the ball into the western stand and bring a pulsating encounter to a close.

The Moana Pasifika winger’s two first half tries were pivotal to the outcome.

Marist dominate the first quarter, using their big ball carriers in close to the breakdown and relentlessly pressuring the Blues’ line. However, they were unable to penetrate, stout defence meaning they had to settle for a brace of penalty goals to winger Luke Kilworth.

Then it was Central’s turn to attack and they scored quickly, good work from Cody Weir at the breakdown earning them a penalty. Smith kicked to touch near the corner and, after a series of charges, Tavatavanawai got his hands on the ball and proved unstoppable from close range. He was at it again 12 minutes later, a long-range breakout by impressive No 8 Vailua Kaloni being stopped close to the line, Tavatavanawai on hand to pick up the ball and power across. Both tries were converted by Smith, giving the home side a 14-6 lead five minutes before the break. However, Marist quickly regained their momentum on the back of set piece dominance, Kilworth landing his third penalty, then converting a close range try to prop Teu Sami to give Marist a two-point lead at the break. With the game on a knife edge small moments became important. With Central intent on kicking deep with the help of the wind, and Marist chancing their arm in a bid to involve their classy outside backs, momentum swung both ways, resulting in an arm wrestle for territory for the first 20 minutes of the second spell. A Smith penalty made it a onepoint game after 60 minutes then, after Kilworth had pushed a 40m penalty wide, Smith made no mistake to give his side a buffer, which they defended until the final whistle.

Injuries have plagued the Blues’ season, making this an even more meritorious effort. They lost first choice loosehead prop Sione Papani during the week to a workplace accident, then both replacement props, Willy McCormick and Mausia Papani both left the field injured during the second spell, resulting in Golden Oldies scrums being employed for the final 13 minutes.

They also lost first choice lock Wayden Smith after just 10 minutes with a potential broken arm, replacement Luke Crookbain stepping up in style.

Central had plenty of heroes up front. Prop Lockie McCormick went the full 80 minutes, player/coach Quentin MacDonald showed his big game experience, flanker Jack Kelly tackled his heart out, along with the energetic Weir, while lock Matt McCormick was again unstinting in the tight stuff.

Behind the scrum Ethan Jones cleared superbly, Smith guided the ship expertly, Ben Filipo and Nigel Satherley were aggressive on both attack and defence while Jake Cresswell was a rock at the back.

MacDonald acknowledged it was a team effort, but said the influence of Tavatavanawai had been huge in recent weeks.

“I don’t know if you can get player of the year after three games but he is pretty close to it … he has been unreal. The professionalism he brings has gelled us towards the end of the year … we were playing alright but when he came

He also had praise for Kelly, Matt and Lockie McCormick, plus Kaloni.

“[Vailua] just came in to fill-in and he has just got better and better. That is kinda the theme of the year. Everyone has just hung in there and did their bit.

“You can’t fault the side’s effort and defence. We have always been an attacking team but especially this year our D was all about effort … it wasn’t perfect but we ended up doing the job.

“Our whole season has been based on guts, and it has paid off in the end.”

Marist co-coach Seta Sauira rued his side’s failure to take advantage of their many moments of dominance, especially at set piece.

“The forwards set a good platform but we just didn’t capitalise on it, didn’t execute well and get points on the board. It is a game of moments and Central made the most of theirs, while we didn’t, then they kept us in our half and made us attack from deep.

“I am disappointed but will take my hat off to Central, they had the crowd behind them and, in the end, they showed more energy than us.”

He singled out lock Caleb Havili, first five Jarel Hemehema, winger Nic Sauira for special mention, while evergreen loosie Te Puoho Stephens and skipper Jake Wetere also stood out in an effort their club could be very proud of.

Scores: Central 20 (Timoci Tavatavanawai 2 tries, Mitch Smith 2 con, 2 pen) Marist 16 (Teu Sami try, Luke Kilworth con, 3 pen). HT: 16-14 Marist.