Marist increases lead in Tasman Trophy
Wing Flynn Bainbridge opened the scoring for Waimea Old Boys in the 50-35 win over Nelson. Photo Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.
For the second week in a row, Marist has posted more than 50 points on the way to another decisive victory.
They won 54-21 at Stoke to open up a big lead on points differential over Waimea Old Boys.
Flankers Teina Thompson and Linton Laiseni stood out in the forwards, while Rylee Samuela impressed on the wing as Marist lifted the John Goodman Challenge Trophy for the first time and retained the Baz Leary Cup.
Waimea Old Boys is also unbeaten after surviving a Nelson scare early in the second half at Trafalgar Park.
Despite plenty of turnovers, Nelson had stormed to a 35-22 lead but then tired and Waimea ran in four converted tries to win 50-35.
In the battle of last year's finalists, Central led throughout to beat Kahurangi 46-29 at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim.