Marist wins top of the table rugby clash
Marist captain Tom Thornalley scored the opening try as his side maintained its unbeaten run. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport.
Marist proved too strong for Waimea Old Boys 30-26 in tonight’s match-up of the two unbeaten sides in the Tasman Trophy at Trafalgar Park.
Waimea struck early through lock Jeen Saltan, from an attacking lineout, but then Marist dominated the rest of the first half with two tries to lock and captain Tom Thornalley.
He scored the first from short range and then loomed up outside his brother Wil to claim the second.
Marist raced to a 20-7 lead before Waimea Prop Joel Sauvale dragged his team back into the game.
Tries to hooker Luke Collier and centre Timi Sauira took Marist out to 30-12 but a charge down from former Marist midfield back Sam Briggs got Waimea back within striking range.
His team camped inside the Marist 22 for the final minutes and hooker Guilhem Bourgois plunged over in the last play of the game to secure a vital losing bonus point.
Both sides ended with four tries in the round three game.
At Riwaka, Kahurangi and Nelson were both chasing their first victory of the season with the visitors winning 31-21.
Former Kahurangi winger Brodie Robinson scored back-to-back tries for Nelson in the second half.
He showed his customary pace to scorch 50 metres for his second try.
Central will host Stoke on Saturday afternoon, with both teams seeking their second win of the season.