Stuff Tasman Trophy gets underway for 2022

By Nick Jeffrey [Stuff]

Central, Stoke, Kahurangi and Renwick all made the best possible starts to the 2022 Stuff Tasman Trophy with each side banking bonus-point wins to open the competition on Saturday.

Central turned in the most emphatic performance of the weekend, dishing out a 57-10 thumping of Wanderers while Stoke also cracked the half-century on its way to a 53-24 victory over Waimea Old Boys. Kahurangi successfully defended the John Goodman Challenge Trophy with its 39-12 win over Waitohi while in the closest contest of week one, Renwick outlasted Nelson 29-19.

Central coach Quentin MacDonald was pleased with his side’s work at Lansdowne Park, particularly given his team has played precious little early rugby this season.

“It was a good effort by our boys. Wanderers were missing a few of their guys but all you can do is play who is in front of you and our forwards got us some early dominance which made life easier. We scrummed and mauled really well and our backs put us into good areas so it was a good way to start,” MacDonald said.

Braden Stewart turned in 50 quality minutes on the side of the Central scrum as he continued his return from injury. Jesse MacDonald was in everything as he swapped between front row and loose forward roles while the inside back pairing of Ethan Jones and Mitch Smith ran the game well.

Stoke and Waimea Old Boys traded three tries each in the first half at Greenmeadows before Stoke took control of the contest, adding four second half tries to run away with the contest.

Stoke coach Seb Siataga paid tribute to his players who took accountability for their improved second half effort.

“We started well but then Waimea came back at us hard. The boys took over the half time speech and they talked about either turning up or fading away and fortunately the boys turned up,” he said.

Karl Ratcliffe turned in a strong showing in midfield while Taine Robinson continued to adapt well to his new role at first five eighth, adding 18 points from the kicking tee.

Siataga said his side would get a good guide as to whether they have what it takes to compete at the business end of the Tasman Trophy, facing Marist who will be fresh from a first round bye this weekend.

At Cooks Reserve, Kahurangi scored seven tries on route to a comfortable win over Waitohi. Shaquille Rangi dotted down three times while Sefo Soonalole added a double.

Meanwhile at Trafalgar Park, Renwick showed good composure to defeat a fast-starting Nelson side to run out 29-19 winners, but not before Renwick coach Tii Paulo thought his side might be in trouble early.

“They came out and scored a couple of quick tries but we were able to hold our nerve and answer back. Scoring twice quickly after half time was key and the boys kept the energy up in the second half to get the job done,” Paulo said.

Vinny Liardet-Smith turned in a strong performance up front while William MacKenzie, in his first year out of school, also impressed on the side of the scrum. Captain Josh Holdaway was his usual inspirational self with Ben Finau leading Renwick around the park from halfback.  

Elsewhere on Saturday the NBS Women’s Tasman Trophy kicked off with Waimea OB holding off Kahurangi 23-22 and Marist defeating Moutere 51-0.

In Division Two action Huia, Stoke, Takaka and Marist all claimed wins in The Car Company Nelson Bays competition while Awatere, Waitohi and Pelorus chalked up victory in the Motorworld Marlborough games. The Tapawera vs Wanderers game was rescheduled until next month.

POINTS TABLES:

Stuff Tasman Trophy Men: Central 5, Stoke 5, Kahurangi 5, Renwick 5, Waimea Old Boys 1, Marist 0, Nelson 0, Waitohi 0, Wanderers 0.

Stuff Tasman Trophy Women: Marist 5, Waimea Old Boys 5, Kahurangi 2, Moutere 0.

The Car Company Nelson Bays Division 2: Stoke 15, Marist 15, Riwaka 12, Wanderers 9, Waimea Old Boys Colts 6, Huia 5, Waimea Old Boys 5, Takaka 5, Collingwood 1, Nelson 1, Tapawera 0.

Motorworld Marlborough Division 2: Waitohi 13, Awatere 10, Moutere 7, Central 7, Marlborough Boys College 7, Pelorus 5, Renwick 2, Harlequins 0.

Article added: Monday 09 May 2022