Three tries in an eight-minute burst was the highlight for the Nelson College 1st XV in an otherwise disappointing performance against Christchurch Boys’ High School on the front field today.
CBHS had just edged NC 37-35 in their last clash in the 2025 Miles Toyota Premiership play-offs and then went on to win the final, so excitement was running high ahead of the rematch.
This time the champions got off to a flier converting turnovers into three slick backline tries in the opening quarter. A penalty goal from third choice first five Jack Westwood, a Year 11 boarder from the West Coast, finally got the hosts on the board in the 27th minute but outstanding CBHS centre Will Brown responded with a booming strike from just inside NC’s half to lead 24-3 at the break.
The home side at last cracked the visitors defence, eight minutes into the second spell, as fullback Liam Soper capped off some concerted pressure from the forward pack.
American winger Alex Drury then showed pace and power to score two outstanding individual tries, in the space of three minutes, to bring NC right back into the game.
The redhead with the pink boots ran over two defenders to grab the second try. Jack’s sideline conversion then saw Nelson close within three points 27-24.
It was shaping as shades of the storming come from behind win against St Andrew’s College in the season-opener. But those hopes were just as quickly dashed as Christchurch hit back with two quick tries of its own to pull clear again and another two tries saw the final score blow out to 55-24 to keep the side unbeaten this season.
Nelson College coach Greg Foe bemoaned the high turnover rate from his largely inexperienced side which slowed its momentum.
Greg had little time to dwell on the result though as after catching up with his players, he raced down to Trafalgar Park to take his place on the bench for the Nelson club side which upset Waimea Old Boys 40-26.
Meanwhile Nelson now faces another tough road trip for the magic round in Christchurch over King’s Birthday weekend where it will play South Island Boys 1st XV matches against Kings High School, from Dunedin, and Southland Boys’ in the space of three days.
