A convincing 35-21 win over rivals Marlborough Boys’ College couldn’t have come at a better time for Nelson College.
The 1st XV headed to Whanganui on Tuesday to defend its Quad title and, making it even more significant, this week marks the 100th Quadrangular Tournament involving NC, Christ’s College, Wellington College and Whanganui Collegiate.
Nelson plays its first match, against Christ’s on Thursday, with the Canterbury outfit at the bottom of the premiership table.
“It was good to get some momentum against Marlborough after a rocky start this season,” says prop Coby Davis, who scored his first try of the year in Blenheim last Thursday.
That was one goal, the other was beating MBC after he was part of the NC side that was outfoxed in Nelson last year.
“We had a few injuries last week but the lads stood up. Next man in is always our mantra,” declares the Year 13 student from Stoke.
With NC hot on attack, Coby lost one of his boots.
“I saw it come off but had no idea where it went.”
A Marlborough player had picked it up and tossed the boot over his own goal line in a bid to slow down the mobile front rower.
“I had to go and find it after the next stoppage in play,” says Coby, who had the last laugh.
Meanwhile you could understand NC assistant coach Tim O’Malley having mixed emotions at Lansdowne Park.
The 50 cap Tasman Mako lives just around the corner after moving to Marlborough 10 years ago.
“I did a year helping out with the Marlborough boys. It was a good game but we needed that win today,” insists Tim immediately after the Miles Toyota Premiership match.
“We have been good in patches in games but just not putting it all together. Now we can rip in up in Whanganui. Obviously, it is a pretty special tournament.”
And all eyes will be on NC’s pretty special player Vili Holani who again showed his strength to burst through MBC players to score his side’s fourth try.
There has been plenty of talk about Christ’s College wanting to lure the 14-year-old Wakefield Year10 player south on a scholarship.
“I think most of New Zealand would be after him after watching him play. The best thing about Vili is he is a great kid,” declares Tim, who is now combining his NC duties with his new role as manager of the Tasman Mako side.
“It’s busy at the moment, getting stuff organised. I will be involved in skills coaching as well, which is really cool.”
He also brings business skills to the Mako as he’s been working as a performance and culture manager for Bayleys Marlborough.
“I spent a lot of years playing for the Mako with guys like Dave Havili and Finlay Christie who have both captained the team. The captaincy is all up in the air at this stage though, depending on All Black selections.”
The utility back played the last of his 50 games against Otago in 2024 but did come out of retirement last month.
“I went down to have a run for my brother’s Maniototo team in Central Otago. A full 80 minutes, and I went duck shooting as well,” reveals the 31-year-old.
While his rugby roles require plenty of time in Nelson, he has no plans to shift over the Whangamoa Hill permanently.
“Commuting is the way to go as my wife Georgia has quite a good wee business over here in Marlborough,” says Tim.
