Nelson College reigns supreme in 1st XV derby
By Jonty Dine [Nelson App]
Nelson College has claimed bragging rights over its regional rivals after dispatching Marlborough Boys 48-14 today.
In atrocious conditions and minus its inspirational leader, Nelson ran in seven tries to retain the Whangamoa Trophy as they well and truly dominated the visitors from kick-off.
Fergus Hughes led the side in the absence of Anton Segnar who was forced to sit out the clash with a knee injury.
The hosts wouldn't take long to assert control with Ben Faingaanuku scoring the opener following some slick handling in the wet.
Jontee Taylor was tasked with filling the number seven jersey and made the most of his start with a tireless effort.
His line-break led to a second for Nelson as Hughes and Louis Carmine produced some stunning interplay with halfback Mason Lund crashing over.
Nelson out-muscled Marlborough at the breakdown and set-piece as the visitors started making crucial errors.
Its superior forward play put hooker Jack McDonald-Hill in for a third before Marlborough finally replied through prop Tino Vakaloa.
Nelson struck back immediately however as ranging lock Tom Thornally proved too strong to stop close to the line and scored the bonus point try.
The home side ran riot late in the first with huge busts by Luca Inch and Connor Johnson but both movements were thwarted by handling errors as the rain intensified.
The pressure eventually proved too much and Taya Brown found himself unmarked on the wing and strolled over to give Nelson a commanding 33-7 half-time lead.
Isaiah Malaulau ensured the momentum remained after oranges as the powerful prop barrelled over the line to put Nelson into the 40's.
The hosts would relent however and Marlborough would cross again after fullback Liam Duncan pounced on a kick ahead.
But again Nelson would strike back straight away with Luca Inch rewarded for his immense game with a try.
An ugly incident then marred an otherwise impressive performance as Hughes was given a yellow card following a nasty looking spear tackle.
Marlborough were unable to put any more points on despite the one-man advantage as Nico Barton's penalty sealed an emphatic Nelson victory.
Nelson College 48 (Faigaanuku, Lund, McDonald-Hill, Thornally, Brown, Malaulau) v Marlborough Boys College 14 (Duncan, Vakaloa tries, Murrell 2 cons)