Tasman Makos: News

Nelson College over run Roncalli
14-Jun-2010

Nelson Mail
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Nelson College showcased their counter-attacking class on the way to a lopsided 72-11 Press Cup secondary schools rugby win over Timaru's Roncalli College in Nelson on Saturday.

Nelson scored 12 tries as second five-eighth Mike Wells finished with 25 points from three tries and five conversions.

Right winger Matt O'Sullivan also continued his impressive form this season by scoring another three tries, giving him seven from his last two outings, following his four-try haul against Burnside High School.

But it was Nelson's ability to create tries from deep inside their own territory and constantly outflank a brittle Roncalli defensive screen that kept the score mounting as Nelson posted 72 points for the second straight week.

Roncalli were continually exposed by the pace and power of Nelson's potent back three as O'Sullivan and impressive fullback James Lowe, who also scored two tries, virtually broke the line at will. Other winger Vai Asomua also ran strongly, but without reward.

No8 and captain Willis Scott assumed a similar role up front and was frequently at the head of Nelson's forward surges.

Flanker Ethan Hamilton, prop Connor McKinnon-Stevenson and lock Scott Green also had strong games in an effective allround forward effort.

Nelson's only major concern was their lack of early lineout control where Roncalli competed strongly during the first half.

But even that improved and it was from a well-controlled 20m drive following a Hamilton lineout win that Willis barged over for his try 15 minutes into the second half.

A lapse in concentration late in the second half also proved costly when a spilled ball enabled Roncalli first five-eighth Dan Dorgan to scamper through for his team's only try. Otherwise, Nelson maintained excellent control, with halfback Mitchell Drummond delivering a crisp supply of ball to a confident backline in which midfielders Wells and Jay Wright also displayed elusive running skills.

Meanwhile, Waimea College suffered the backlash from Christchurch Boys' High School's loss to St Bede's College and were buried 61-0 in Christchurch.

Despite spending extended periods inside Christchurch's territory during the first half, Waimea lacked both the penetration or finishing qualities to ever seriously threaten the home team's defence.

By contrast, Christchurch's attack was slick and decisive, often creating several man overlaps as Waimea's defence was simply outflanked.

Christchurch finished with 10 tries and led 29-0 at the break, with captain and No 8 Pita Anae-Ah Sue central to much of Christchurch's forward mometum with his powerful runs.

Waimea still got admirable service from lock Tim Gulbransen and hooker Zeke Dyson, while Sean Clementson also impressed at fullback.

Nelson College 72 (Mike Wells 3, Matt O'Sullivan 3, James Lowe 2, Jay Wright, Fletcher Smith, Willis Scott, Dylan Monopoli tries, Wells 5 cons, Smith con) Roncalli College 11 (Dan Dorgan try, 2 pens) Ht 29-6.

Christchurch BHS 61, Waimea College 0. Ht 29-0.