Tasman Makos: News

Marlborough Boys College move up the rankings
14-Jun-2010

Marlborough Expres
Marlborough Boys' College cemented fifth place in the Press Cup Crusaders Region secondary schools rugby competition with a 25-17 win over Christchurch's St Andrew's College in Blenheim on Saturday.

MBC first XV was up 18-0 at halftime after a dominant first 40 and seemingly on the path to a comfortable victory.

However, MBC, playing on the college front field, took their foot off the throat and almost paid the price as the visitors stormed back to 17-18 with three fine tries.

With five minutes left, loose-head prop Jake Stafford-Wood powered over for the match-winning try after a lineout drive and a series of pick-and-goes.

MBC head coach Gray Cornelius admitted the finish was closer than it should have been, but felt his team played some of their best rugby of the season in the first 40 minutes.

However, he said his team sat back to defend their lead in the second half.

Second five-eighth George Davies capped off a good game with a try, and right-winger Jack Keown was the other try-scorer, halfback Blake Parata adding two conversions and two penalties.

Players to shine for Marlborough were first five-eighth Hayden Howard until he retired injured in the last quarter.

No8 Kurt Schollum was a powerful force in defence and with ball in hand in close-quarter play.

MBC take on Burnside High School at Burnside in Christchurch next Saturday and their next home game is against Timaru Boys' High at the college front field in Blenheim on Saturday week.

This week's round featured several blow-out scores, the biggest being St Bede's College's 113-0 hiding of Burnside .

Christ's College are the only unbeaten team after eight rounds.

Other results: Shirley BHS 25, St Thomas 18; Christchurch BHS 61, Waimea College 0; Nelson College 72, Roncalli College 11; Timaru BHS 61, Lincoln HS 5; Christ's College 67, Ashburton College 0.