MBC too good for Waimea

COLIN SMITH/Nelson Mail

LATER: Marlborough Boys' College winger Elliott Harvey leaves a Waimea College defender in his wake on his way to a fine try during yesterday's clash.

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Waimea College were held scoreless on their home patch yesterday as Marlborough Boys' College eased to a 21-0 Press Cup win in Richmond.

Marlborough were well worth their win in an otherwise uninspiring contest, eventually scoring three tries to narrowly miss out on a try-scoring bonus point.

The visitors showed better penetration and were significantly more clinical on defence, despite lacking the finishing qualities that might have earned them better rewards.

The contest was interrupted by a bizarre incident late in the first half when Waimea substitute Daniel Wood was shown a red card by referee Paul Gurr after leaving his fellow reserves on the sideline to join a flare-up on the opposite side of the field.

While it didn't affect Waimea's on-field numbers, it did reduce their bench and relegated a sheepish Wood to the role of spectator for the rest of the match.

Marlborough led just 7-0 at the break after No8 Kurt Schollum barged across in the 14th minute from a series of penalties on Waimea's line.

But they had to wait until 17 minutes into the second half for their second when a turnover inside Marlborough's half provided left winger Elliot Harvey the chance to display his pace from 65 metres out to score a well-taken try.

Flanker Jordan Roberts added Marlborough's third and final try about five minutes later after another period of sustained pressure saw him lunge across beside the posts.

Halfback Blake Parata kicked all three conversions, his second an excellent effort from near the sideline.

Marlborough captain and prop Jordan Hart, hooker Vaea Samasoni and flanker Billy Collins provided a physical presence in a hard-working forward effort, while centre Chris Tau'alupe created problems for Waimea's defence with his strong running.

MBC face Timaru Boys' High School on Saturday in the semifinal of the Plate section of the Press Cup.

If Timaru BHS beat St Thomas on Saturday the match is in Timaru; if not, MBC host the game. Marlborough Boys' College 21 (Kurt Schollum, Elliot Harvey, Jordan Roberts tries, Blake Parata 3 cons) Waimea College 0. Ht 7-0.

- The Marlborough Express