Tasman Makos: News

Marlborough Under 20s unlucky
21-May-2010

Marlborough Express - JOHN ALEXANDER
The Marlborough under-20 rugby team conceded a late try to lose an entertaining match 30-35 to Ellesmere Colts in yesterday's curtain-raiser at Takahanga Domain in Kaikoura.

In a match where the defence of both sides left a bit to be desired, Marlborough gave as good as they got for most of the match, except over the last quarter when they spent most of the time locked inside their own territory.

The game hung on a knife edge most of the way though, with Ellesmere leading 25-20 at half-time and the score locked up at 30-30 until six minutes from full-time, when winger Phil Campbell scored the match-winner from a quickly-taken tap penalty. Marlborough played with plenty of spirit and conviction, not always matched by accuracy, and produced several flowing attacks with backs and forwards interpassing to produce some great tries.

Fullback Benji Keenan scored the first and bagged another in the second half. Keenan also pulled off several key tackles in defence during the second half.

First-five Hayden Gaudin made several incisive runs in the first half and set up a lovely try to centre Lars Johnson.

Lock James Pigou turned in a rugged performance and was rewarded with a try, while flanker/hooker Jonathon Andrews was another to impress, also burrowing over after a forward drive for a try.

Shore up their defence, get a bit more organisation around the park and this Marlborough team has plenty of potential.

Scorers: Ellesmere Colts 35 (Lyndon Dunshae 2, Sam Groundwater, Stephen Swain, Salman Fefili, Phil Campbell tries, Steve Golding con, pen) Marlborough under-20 30 (Benji Keenan 2, James Pigou, Jonathon Andrews, Lars Johnson tries, Johnson con, pen). Half-time: Ellesmere Colts 25-20.