A dominant second half has powered Nelson to its first win of the season, beating Waimea Old Boys 43-13 in Tahunanui this afternoon.
Both sides had yet to record a single win this season heading into the match, both have struggled with player numbers and form. But with the Noel Barton Trophy on the line, it was an opportunity for one of the clubs to finish the season with some silverware.
In a tight first half, momentum swung Nelson’s way very late in the half when – down 8-7 – it was awarded a kickable penalty. Nelson decided to kick for touch instead, won the lineout and worked their way into a good position before lock Matthew Taula Fili crashed over for his second try of the game.
The big lock was only registered with the Tasman Rugby Union the day before the game after arriving from Christchurch, but his try and the subsequent conversion had Nelson up 14-8 at half time.
For Waimea, they had an opportunity for their own ‘momentum swinging moment’ when they found themselves over the try-line but were ruled to be held up. Nelson went up the other end to score when big centre Tevita Tangataevaka was expertly put into a gap to score untouched.
From there Nelson put on a show.
Tangataevaka scored two more to secure his hat-trick while Mataroa Maui and Ramese Taualofa both also dotted down in the dying stages.
Waimea did score the penultimate try with hooker Max Fraine crashing over, the ensuing conversation attempt from flanker Dan Hytongue went well wide. Hytongue was given the kick to help celebrate his 100th game for the club.
Nelson coach Gary Stevens says the win coincided with his team being able to field the full 22 players for the first time this season.
“The stars aligned for us on Matariki. Our university students are back, some injuries returned and for the first time we’ve had the full 22. And we know that if we can get everyone to training and get everyone on the field the structures and the processes are going to work.”
The added motivation of the Noel Barton Trophy also helped he says. “Our guys get up for that, 100%.”
Waimea coach Scott McKenzie was left rueing missed opportunities.
“I think the way we started was good, I thought ‘this is us’. We muscled up, took them up front, we were in the game.
“In the second half, if we could have scored that try early then I think it would have been game-on. But Nelson scored at the other end, got their tails up and we were battling then.”
The loss leaves Waimea with just one more opportunity to claim a win this season with the final game of the year on Tuesday against Marist.
Meanwhile, at Greenmeadows, Kahurangi had a big second half to come from being 19-12 down at half time to beat Stoke 31-19.
Tomorrow (Saturday, June 25) Marist will host Central at Trafalgar Park and Wanderers will host Waitohi at Brightwater, both games are scheduled to kick off at 3pm.
