Cecil Shield - Nelson Bays 33 v Marlborough 28
Never mind the margin, Nelson Bays were just happy to hold off another spirited Marlborough rugby challenge yesterday.
Nelson Bays eventually eased home 33-28 in their annual Cecil Shield fixture at Jubilee Park. Yet every time Nelson Bays looked back over their shoulders, Marlborough were there, constantly snapping at their heels like some annoying neighbourhood mutt.
Despite scoring five tries to Marlborough's three, Nelson Bays' biggest lead at any stage of yesterday's contest was just 13 points when flanker Gary Redmond crossed six minutes after the restart to put the home team ahead 26-13.
Nelson Bays had led just 14-10 at the break as an early try to No8 Jake Cooley, off a Sione Holani line-break near Marlborough's quarter, was quickly countered by a try to Marlborough hooker Gareth Archer just two minutes later. And when Nelson Bays prop Ropate Rimakama scored midway through the half, Marlborough No10 Daniel Hawkins' accurate boot continued to keep the visitors in touch.
Two tries within six minutes of the restart to flankers Niu Taufa and Redmond appeared to give Nelson Bays some measure of comfort. But once again, after an intercept by Marlborough wing Ra Tamati had turned a promising Nelson Bays attack into desperate defence, Marlborough were right back in the contest through a try to substitute flanker Joe Stewart.
Hawkins' third penalty success further narrowed the margin to 26-23, before a superb counterattacking try to left wing Latham Jones, sparked by fullback Tema Faifua from behind his own goalline, again pushed the home team clear at 33-23 with 10 minutes remaining.
Then, as if to confirm their resolve, Marlborough prop Fetu Ieremia completed the game's final act with a try near the corner. Game over and a chance finally for Nelson Bays to draw breath.
Nelson Bays captain and lock Dan Squire was a member of last year's Nelson Bays team that failed to bring the Seddon Shield back from Blenheim following their 9-all draw. And that, he said, helped provide a timely spur for several players.
"A few of us played in that Seddon Shield game last year, so we went out there like we had something to prove," he said.
The result was a satisfying enough win, although there was certainly a hint of first-game syndrome in much of Nelson Bays' play, with their execution occasionally at odds with their endeavours to maintain an open and entertaining approach.
Squire was a key figure in the match as Nelson Bays' most reliable lineout focus, while also featuring with several strong ball carries. For work rate, though, Redmond was tough to beat, the flanker also showing admirable strength to score his try through several attempted tackles.
Squire admitted to rustiness as new combinations attempted to establish themselves, although he was pleased with the attitude and commitment against a dogged opposition.
"A few senior players stepped up today ... it was an awesome effort from the boys, a lot of new faces ... I couldn't ask for anything more."
Marlborough's forwards looked more assertive and unified during the second half, testing the accuracy and effectiveness of Nelson Bays' defence. "They just got a bit of run going there and we were lucky enough to hold on."
When they needed to, Nelson Bays showed enough cohesion on attack to frequently question Marlborough's defence, with Faifua, Holani and Jones prominent.
"We've got some some real speedsters and some big ball runners, so that was our game plan, to suck in their forwards and then chuck it out wide for the guys to have a run," said Squire.
It didn't always work, but apart from a couple of threatening second-half attacks, Marlborough's backs were kept reasonably well in check. Ieremia, Stewart and flanker Stu Dalzell were the pick of an industrious Marlborough pack.
With the match effectively doubling as a Tasman trial, Makos' head coach Kieran Keane was an interested spectator.
"I enjoyed the game, I enjoyed the contest," he said. "I thought it was hard fought and I thought it was relatively even too."
His interest was piqued by several unspecified individuals from both teams as he counts down to his first squad announcement.
"I was particularly pleased with some new boys on both sides and I thought they did pretty well. Things are positive. It was great. I enjoyed the enthusiasm.
"I thought the blue team [Nelson Bays] probably suffered from a lack of cohesion and then with all the changes that probably affected them a bit. I really liked the spirit within the red team [Marlborough] and the grunt and graft. There were good positives there. I think Tasman will win either way."
Nelson Bays 33 (Jake Cooley, Ropate Rimakama, Niu Taufa, Gary Redmond, Latham Jones tries, James Lash 2 cons, Jason Merrett 2 cons) Marlborough 28 (Gareth Archer, Joe Stewart, Fetu Ieremia tries, Daniel Hawkins 3 pens, 2 cons) Ht 14-10
