RICKY WILSON/STUFF
The Moutere division one team celebrate after beating Renwick in the final at Lansdowne Park on Saturday.
Moutere are the 2017 Marlborough division one rugby champions.
The proud Spring Creek-based club picked up a record 32nd senior title when it overcame a gallant Renwick combination 22-19 at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim on Saturday.
In a thrilling encounter the Magpies came from behind twice to take the honours, scoring four tries to their rival's three.
RICKY WILSON/STUFF
The Marlborough Boys' College Old Boys team and supporters gather on Lansdowne Park after taking out the Marlborough division two final.
Renwick endeavoured to play an expansive game, using the width of the paddock to make ground, while Moutere resorting to their renowned forward power, through lineout drives, one-off runners and pick-and-goes, to get the job done. It was no coincidence that all Moutere's tries were scored by the forwards and Renwick's three by their outside backs.
Prop Jordan Hart had an impressive outing, scoring twice and forming part of a scrum that held dominance almost throughout. Vernon Fredericks was also influential for the Magpies, carrying strongly, defending with power and covering intelligently.
Renwick were well served by halfback Chris Bolton and midfielder Kyle Marfell, who was a constant threat with ball in hand. Up front Sam White and Kurt Schollum stood out.
RICKY WILSON/STUFF
A jubilant Moutere women's team enjoy the moment after taking out the Tasman final against Nelson side Marist.
The Moutere faithful came to Lansdowne Park hoping for three finals victories, but had to be content with two, their women's team taking out the Tasman title 37-5 against Marist from Nelson, after leading 15-0 at halftime.
In the division two final, honours went to Marlborough Boys' College Old Boys, who overcame a solid comeback from Moutere to prevail 27-15. Old Boys led 15-5 at halftime before the Magpies levelled the scores with 17 minutes remaining and appeared to be on their way to back-to-back titles. However late touchdowns to midfielders Les Cunningham and Mark Spencer got the job done for MBCOB, the beaten finalists last year.
Scores
Division one: Moutere 22 (Jordan Hart 2, Lockie McCormick, Baxter Wilson tries, Jordan Newman con) Renwick 19 (Glen Ballam, Regan Marshall, Kavekini Tabu tries, Kurt Schollum 2 con). Ht: 17-14 Moutere.
Division two: MBC Old Boys 27 (Mark Spencer, Les Cunningham, Anolo Kaloni, Johnny Burdon tries, Eugene Taylor pen, 2 con) Moutere 15 (Vili Fili, Haven Walsh tries, Tyler Bird pen, con). HT: 15-5 Old Boys
Women: Moutere 37 Marist 5. HT: 15-0