NOBM retain Spillane Cup in Taupo
Napier Old Boys Marist rugby coach Ellery Wilson had every right to heap kudos on his youngsters after the Green Machine retained New Zealand Marist's Spillane Cup in Taupo today.
"I'm really happy. A lot of young guys stepped up," Wilson (pictured above) said after NOBM's come-from-behind 31-29 victory against Hastings Rugby and Sports in the final of the 90th edition of the tournament at Delany Park.
Promising flanker Paul Lapa scored two tries. Eighteen-year-old prop Pulea Faleiva, who played alongside his older brother and fellow prop Johnny Faleiva, had 40 minutes against Magpie Jason Long and can be proud of his contribution.
Hawke's Bay Rugby Academy first five-eighth Jonty Stewart had a 100 per cent goal kicking success rate including a penalty kick which secured the victory.
Johnny Faleiva and fellow prop James Holbrook scored NOBM's other tries. Experienced No 8 Matt Gardner was inspirational in today's victory.
Fellow loosie and captain Ricky Hayes and fullback Michael Buckley were both named in the tournament team.
Hastings Rugby and Sports led 24-7 at halftime and manager James Rosenberg said his troops were unlucky to have an injury-time try disallowed. Three yellow cards in the second half didn't help their cause.
"But overall it was a good hit out and we're pretty happy," Rosenberg said.
Fullback Jayden Rihia, who scored two tries, and first five-eighth Jordan Thompson-Dunn operated well in the Hastings backline. Hamilton-based openside flanker Jeriah Mua, who answered an SOS call last night, was outstanding in the pack.
Captain and No 8 Jacob Devery also scored two tries and Mua scored the other. Halfback Connor McLeod kicked two conversions.
Devery and McLeod were both selected in the tournament team.
Hamilton Marist beat Hutt Old Boys Marist 60-41 in the playoff for third.
