Tasman Makos: News

Press Cup - Marlborough Boys College hang in for win
17-May-2010

Marlborough Express - JOHN ALEXANDER
Marlborough Boys' College First XV survived a storming finish from St Thomas' of Canterbury to win their Press Cup secondary schools rugby clash 21-17 at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim on Saturday.

Up 21-3 with 10 minutes remaining, MBC coach Gray Cornelius decided to run on several subs and the wheels almost fell off.

St Thomas' scored two converted tries, but thankfully for the home side, the game finished before the visitors were able to overtake them.

MBC played well in the first half, Cornelius rating it their best rugby of the season so far. "We were more structured, more organised and stuck to the game plan. We strung together some good phases. It was a shame in the last 20 minutes we couldn't put them away."

Flanker Jordan Roberts and prop Jake Stafford-Wood scored MBC's tries.

Roberts ran on to a midfield pass at pace and stormed 20 metres for his touchdown, while Stafford-Wood scored in similar circumstances, halfback Blake Parata adding the all-important extras with a conversion and two penalties.

Roberts was outstanding with his high energy and work rate.

Stafford-Wood was right up there as well, and in the backs midfielder George Davies defended stoutly.

MBC's next match is on Saturday, away to Lincoln High School, and on Thursday, May 27 they will host Nelson College on the college front field in Blenheim, at a time yet to be confirmed.

Other Press Cup scores: Shirley Boys' High School 61 Lincoln HS 10, St Bede's College 98 Ashburton College 0, Nelson College 31 St Andrew's College 5, Roncalli College 18 Burnside HS 7, Christ's College 22 Waimea College 3.