Waimea clinging to Tasman Trophy lead
Cooper Grant kicking a penalty goal on his way to a 23 point haul for Marist. Photo: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.
Waimea Old Boys has withstood a spirited Stoke challenge to win 40-31 at Greenmeadows, retaining the competition lead after the first round of the Tasman Trophy.
Waimea remains one point ahead of Marist, which bounced back from last week’s shock defeat to Nelson, to beat Kahurangi 43-29 at Sports Park in Motueka.
First five Cooper Grant made a timely return from the Highlanders, scoring a try and kicking 18 points for Marist.
After two wins in a row, Nelson went down 43-26 to Central at Trafalgar Park. The Marlborough outfit has improved to third after five matches.
Meanwhile Kahurangi kicked off the women’s competition with a 65-10 win over defending champions Marist to retain the Billy Guyton Challenge Shield which is on the line this season.
New recruit, centre Eve Findlay starred with a hattrick.
The Waimea Women beat Moutere 40-27 at Awarua Park.