Sports Snippets: Force in town, Manderson defends title

Multisport- After a popular debut and a cancelled follow-up last year, the Nelson Airport K2M adventure trail run returned to the region on Sunday. Included this year was a multi-sport event that involved a kayak, 30km cycle and 10km run. 2019 champion Clinton Manderson defended his title in the trail marathon with a winning time of 03hrs2min28sec. Shaanti Robinson was the first female home in 03hrs56min1sec. The Rabid Stags took out the multisport team challenge while Chasing Awesome took out the 42km team marathon. In total, 1,029 participants took part with 50 per cent from out of town.

Rugby- Nelson is set to host Super Rugby side the Western Force this week as the side prepares for its clash with the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday night. The Force is set to visit a number of schools during its rest day today. These include Nayland, Waimea and Nelson Colleges, Nelson Intermediate and Victory, and Hampden St Primary Schools. The Force boasts some familiar names for Kiwi fans including former All Blacks Jeremy Thrush and Richard Kahui.

Basketball- The Mike Pero Nelson Giants responded from last Thursday night's dramatic one-point loss to the Property Brokers Manawatu Jets by disposing of the Taranaki Airs 100-86 in a quality Queen's Birthday clash. Played in front of another big crowd at the Trafalgar Centre the home team didn't disappoint. By the end of the half the Giants were out to a 57-35 lead and were as equally dominant on the boards. As the third period unfolded both Hunter Hale and Donte Ingram went to another level to ensure the result was safe, which sparked a flurry of subs and gave the Giants' second unit some heavy minutes. The win pushes the Giants up to equal-fourth on the Sal's NBL ladder.