Nelson College have produced a stirring comeback in their opening match of the inaugural Miles Toyota South Island Boys’ Schools Network 1st XV Competition, edging past heavyweights St Andrews College 31–28 on Saturday.
Played on a pristine Nelson College front field, the home side were immediately under pressure as the visitors struck early, executing several slick attacking moves that quickly put points on the board.
Nelson found themselves down 21–0 midway through the first half before beginning to settle. The response was swift, with three tries bringing the match back within reach and sending the teams to the sheds with St Andrews leading 28–21 at halftime.
Whatever was said by coach Greg Foe during the break had an immediate effect. Nelson’s defensive effort lifted markedly, shutting down a number of promising St Andrews attacks.
The turnaround was emphatic. St Andrews were held scoreless throughout the second half as Nelson gradually reeled in the deficit, before finishing over the top of their Canterbury-based opponents with a last-minute penalty to complete a memorable opening-round victory.
Nelson College’s next challenge comes this Saturday, when they host Otago Boys’ High School at 12pm, once again on the Nelson College front field.
