Captain Anton Segner with the Moascar Cup
The Moascar Cup is the oldest, most prestigious and storied trophy in NZ 1st XV rugby, and dates back to the end of World War One. The Cup is played for under a challenge system, not unlike the Ranfurly Shield.
On Saturday, Nelson College – defenders of the Cup for over 2 years and 16 matches – relinquished their hold when defeated by Christchurch Boys High School. It was an amazing tenure, and one worth recapping.
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We asked Peter Grigg, manager of the College 1st XV, to give his thoughts on the tenure and what the Moascar Cup meant to Nelson College.
“On Saturday Nelson College 1st XV’s tenure with the historic Moascar Cup came to an end. A very well drilled and disciplined Christchurch Boys High School 1st XV were too good for the home team in a relatively convincing 22-12 victory.
The tenure begun at Alpine Energy Stadium in Timaru on 18 June 2016 and spanned 16 matches. The 2016 coaches Lachie Taylor, Bill Coventry and Andrew Goodman had organized the Nelson College team into a competitive unit. Throughout the two years there were numerous monumental clashes beginning with a last gasp Willy Havili penalty to squeak past St Thomas in just the third defence.
Last year Christ’s College had two hearty challenges, the first early in the season when, even with Brad Pool red card, Nelson College hung on to a 22-21 victory. Later in the Quad Final the victory was more emphatic at 29-5 after North Island visitors Wellington College were summarily dispatched on day one.
Previous holders Timaru Boys High School were the final defence of 2017 and again Nelson College squeaked through by one point on the back of a try and a couple of penalty goals by outstanding New Zealand Schoolboy representative Leicester Faingaanuku.
This year the table topping Christchurch Boys High School were the fourth challenge of the year and ultimately the final one.
The two-year tenure with the coveted Cup had proven to have a galvanizing effect in instilling pride within the College. It prompted the formation of the College supporters club, initially formed as the Blue Tsunami which this year morphed into the Blue Army. This group have become vocal at all sports matches involving Nelson College teams, be it in rugby, football, basketball or any team.
The Moascar Cup resided in pride of place in Headmaster Gary O’Shea’s office though it was always on the sideline at the Thursday 1st XV practice to remind the boys of the significance of their fixtures, as well as on match day. It will be sorely missed by the school community, but it has been an enjoyable, rewarding two-year tenure.”
On behalf of the wider Tasman rugby community, congratulations to all of the Nelson College players, support staff, sponsors and supporters involved in this remarkable defense for such a lengthy period.
Many of these young players will go on to be stars of the Tasman Mako and achieve higher honours in the next few seasons.
#FinzUp
Tony Lewis