Tenacious Nelson College edge Timaru BHS
Courageous second half defence has helped Nelson College overcome a huge Timaru Boys’ High School challenge in a thrilling 21-20 UC Championship rugby win in Nelson on Saturday.
In the penultimate round of the Crusaders region schools competition, Nelson consolidated their semifinal berth.
At the same time, they also defended the Moascar Cup in a Herculean second half effort.
The home team took an early lead thanks to a strong burst from fullback Leicester Faingaanuku on the end of the chain after a slick backline attack in the first couple of minutes.
Nelson continued to dominate in all phases of play and lock Fergus Hughes was next on the score sheet as he capped off an expansive forward effort to score near the posts.
Right wing Ben Hazlett added impetus and sound decisionmaking to extend the lead when he scored just before halftime to give the home team a handy 18-3 lead at the break.
However, Timaru were not prepared to allow Nelson College an easy passage into the next phase of the competition.
On the back of a well-drilled and disciplined forward effort, they completely controlled both possession and territory throughout the second half.
With big No 8 Maka Mafileo to the fore, they denied Nelson possession and maintained ball control.
That allowed them long periods of continuity, which deprived the dangerous Nelson backs of the ball
Nelson College defended manfully but were never in a position to kick with any length.
Whenever Nelson attempted to ease the pressure, Timaru simply ran it back at Nelson.
Forwards Sione Mata’sia, Cullen Grace and Finlay Joyce revelled in the challenge as the visitors rumbled forward at every opportunity.
In response, Hughes, Kyle Te Tai, ball-winning flanker Anton Segner and big lock Caleb Havili led a strong Nelson forward effort.
Their tackling, organisation and aggression was exemplary and critical as Timaru applied constant pressure.
Mafileo capped a fine game with two tries as the visitors’ pressure was rewarded.
On one of Nelson’s rare forays into the opposition half, skipper Faingaanuku converted a comfortable but pressure-laden penalty to allow Nelson some breathing space.
Next week Nelson travel to Christchurch to play St Andrews College ahead of the semifinals.
Meanwhile, Waimea Combined Schools produced a poor defensive display in their heavy 53-31 loss to St Bede’s College in Christchurch.
Waimea attacked well enough, scoring five tries but their tackling was well below their usual standards as the previously struggling home team cashed in.
Missed first-up tackles, combined with St Bede’s effective support play, allowed the home team too much freedom on attack.
They ran in eight tries, with Waimea now needing a bonus point win against Mid Canterbury Combined at home next Saturday to remain in the top eight.
Lock-flanker Caleb Delany was one player to show some defensive steel and tackled strongly in an otherwise poor team performance.
Halfback Jamie Thompson, who switched to second five-eighth in the second half, blindside flanker Josh Grant and wing Tyler Palmer also impressed.