Nelson College has continued its unbeaten season by overwhelming defending national champions Southland Boys High School 47-24 in Nelson this afternoon.
The southerners put the prized Moascar Cup on the line in the first match between the two sides since 2003.
Despite heavy rain yesterday, the ground conditions were still conducive to running rugby with 11 tries scored.
The home side struck early through their front rowers with prop Samuela Takapu and hooker Jack Trott powering over from close range.
A raft of penalties saw Southland camp inside Nelson’s 22 for most of the second quarter and their outside backs Jack Brock and Will Garrick both cracked the defence to level the scores at 14-all.
Then up stepped Nelson's captain and first five Harry Inch with a spectacular solo burst which led to a try to halfback Oliver Gibbons and a 21-14 half time lead.
He was limping before the game but outstanding loose forward Saumaki Saumaki was unstoppable as he quickly got the second half scoring underway.
Then two moments of magic from the backs with second five Jimmy West putting away his midfield partner Fanua Fa’avae and winger Mikey Morrison breaking clear inside his own half and outpacing the defence.
Loose forward Kobe Brownlee completed the scoring out wide and his try was the only one Inch was unable to convert.
A gritty Southland managed two second half tries from powerful replacement winger Ezekell Hammond-Siolo.
The huge all round team effort has earned Nelson College a trip to the Top Four finals in Palmerston North next month where they will face the top sides from the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Blues regions.
It will be Nelson’s third trip to the national first XV finals and the school has unfinished business.
They were the top South Island qualifier in 2021 only for Covid-19 to prompt organisers to scrap the finals.
By Stephen Stuart
