A revitalised Nelson rugby side hopes history repeats when it faces Marist in Saturday’s Div 1 final at Trafalgar Park.
Nelson last made the final in 2018 and beat Marist 16-6 on a muddy Neale Park.
Marist has won both their clashes this season, the second a 48-45 thriller, despite the defending champions missing key backs in playmaker Cooper Grant and the Sauira brothers Nic and Timi.
“Good young backlines going up against each other. I am excited. There is a bit of rivalry but we are all mates as we see each other at the academy,” says Nic, whose opening try finally got Marist going in Saturday’s semi-final against Central.
His Nelson counterpart Nelisoni Melaulau was just happy his side made the final, helped by his four try haul against Waimea Old Boys in the other semi.
“It was a goal of ours. We wanted to play for Tojo (coach Tom Marshall) because he has put so much effort into the team,” says Soni.
He’s right, Tom took charge at the start of last year after Nelson had finished with negative points following defaults in 2023.
Tom maintains he still thought his side could beat Waimea despite trailing with just a minute left to play on Saturday,
“The boys have shown they can score points pretty easily. It was a great game for the neutrals but a little nerve- wracking for the coaches,” says Tom, who is more anxious about a few wounded bodies after the weekend,
Concussion has ruled out exciting winger Solo Gukirewa and utility back Mikey Morrison.
