An improved Nelson couldn't make the most of a strong second-half breeze at their backs, losing 36-19 to Stoke at Trafalgar Park today.
Elsewhere in the third round of the Tasman Trophy, Kahurangi beat Central 25-10, Renwick beat Marist 28-12 and Waitohi defaulted to Waimea Old Boys.
At Trafalgar Park, Nelson put themselves in a strong position at half time. They were down by 12 points but they had done that facing a stiff breeze.
The second half tactics from the hosts were sound; turn Stoke around and play it their 22. But they struggled to win their own line out and gave away too many penalties, which let the visitors off the hook on several occasions.
When a Nelson prop was sinbinned with 10 minutes to go and the the score at 26-19, it all-but killed off Nelson's hope of a rally. Stoke first five Taine Robinson kicked the ensuing penalty, putting his side up by 10 points heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.
For Stoke, Robinson was class, setting up several tries but he saved the best for last, serving through the Nelson defence before putting Caleb Coventry in for his third try of the game.
Playing in his first game of the season, former Nelson College star Cooper Grant looked at home in senior rugby, directing his team well.
Nelson coach Gary Stevens says, despite the loss, he's happy with the effort of his team.
"We're getting better every week. We still have 11 in the injury ward but we have a good core bunch of guys and the losses isn't affecting the soul of the team, they still turn up and work hard every week."
Stoke coach Joe Kirker says he was thrilled with the win.
"It was a tough battle. On the sideline it probably wasn't obvious how tough it was with the wind. Sometimes you have to win the ugly ones."
Scores:
Stoke 36: Liam Miller, Emosi Qoro, Caleb Coventry (3) tries. Taine Robinson (4) conversions, 1 penalty.
Nelson 19: Jono Schepers, PJ Petaia tries. Cooper Grant (2) conversions.
Half time: 19-7.
