Culture, teamwork and a couple of very handy young 1st XV players drove Nelson College to a series of convincing performances in the South Island U15 Invitational Tournament.
The side had three players returning from last year’s age grade group – versatile 1st XV forward Cooper Bruning and outstanding midfield back Vili Holani plus halfback Tyler Smith.
They set the tone in the two 44-minute matches on the opening day, swamping St Andrew’s College 69-0 and Rangiora High School 52-10.
The defending champions didn’t concede a point in the next two, overwhelming Southland Boys’ High School 52-0 and Shirley Boys’ High School 42-0.
The semi-final against King’s High School was a breeze 59-7 while the toughest match came in the final against neighbours Marlborough Boys’ College.
But there was no stopping the Cooper-captained NC, winning 49-20 to bring the shield home again.
