Nelson College has made a strong early statement in its defence of the Quadrangular Tournament, beating Christ’s College 48-29 in Whanganui.
Nelson College has dominated the Quad in recent years, winning the four-school event six of the past seven editions.
Vice-captain and prop Coby Davis opened the scoring in the fourth minute, barging over for the first try. Christ’s responded with two of its own to lead 12-10 before Nelson regained control.
Just before halftime, first five Bronco MacDonald broke through two tackles and sent lock Ryan Quinn over for the go-ahead try, giving Nelson a 17-12 lead at the break.
MacDonald, who has been battling a groin issue, was replaced by Mone Pouli early in the second spell. Mone made an immediate impact, helping set up the third try within a minute of play restarting.
Linking with centre and captain Flynn Simkin, Flynn’s break allowed fullback Liam Soper to race clear and score.
From a tap penalty, hooker Jackson Fraine then powered through four defenders to extend the lead to 19 points.
American winger Alex Drury was initially held up over the line but crossed shortly after, cutting back inside and beating four defenders following a long pass from Flynn.
Christ’s fought back with three tries as rain set in, narrowing the margin, but Nelson had the final say. Deep in injury time, No.8 Cooper Bruning charged over for the team’s sixth try.
Cooper, who usually plays prop, shifted to the back of the scrum after captain Rei Pouri-Lane injured his hand against Marlborough Boys’ College last week.
Liam converted all six tries, including his own, and added two penalty goals to finish with 23 points.
Nelson College will now face Wellington College in Saturday afternoon’s final as it looks to claim the 100th staging of the tournament.
Wellington secured its spot with a 50-10 victory against Whanganui Collegiate.
The final also offers Nelson the chance to avenge its 43-5 loss to Wellington in the capital two months ago.
