Rugby: Backs mastermind Lindisfarne to upset win

The Lindisfarne College First XV boys after upset Francis Douglas Memorial College (New Plymouth) on Saturday.

Lindisfarne College has upset Francis Douglas Memorial College 32-20 in the Central North Island First XV rugby series.

Francis Douglas suffered their first defeat in the competition for 15 matches, their last defeat before Saturday in Hastings, was 19-15 to Lindisfarne in 2012.

Lindisfarne, with the assistance off a stiff breeze, surged to a 25-8 lead at halftime. Spectacular back play was the key to Lindisfarne's success, including dazzling centre Mason Emerson.

In the fifth minute, Emerson thrust through some soft defence at the 22. He rushed towards the line, but was caught by the cover defence. However he managed to offload in one arm to supporting hooker Wi-Rangi Parata who crashed over in the corner, 5-0.

In the 25th minute, Emerson received the ball 40m out from the Francis Douglas line. He beat nine defenders to score an astonishing individual try to push Lindisfarne 25-3 ahead.

In the 29th minute, first-five-eighth Tiaan Falcon gifted Francis Douglas a try. Falcon fumbled in his own in-goal area and flanker Beauden Fleming dived on the loose ball. However Falcon was equally instrumental in the Lindisfarne onslaught.

Earlier Falcon chipped the ball off his unpreferred left boot for Harrison McPhail to gather and score. In the 38th minute, Falcon made a 20m break and Emerson sprinted the remaining 35m.

Down 32-8, Francis Douglas rallied. Winger Shaun Phillips and prop Joe Brophy scored tries after strong lead-up play by the forwards. In the 54th minute, Lindisfarne lost lock Harry Dods to the sinbin for persistent infringements and Francis Douglas threatened to make a real contest of it. They spent more then 12 minutes inside the Lindisfarne 22, but dogged defence ensured Lindisfarne held on for a deserved victory.

Emerson and Falcon who saved a try, nailing fullback Steven Snoxell as he dived over the line, were the undoubted stars of the game. Parata and blindside William Gunson shone for the hosts.

Francis Douglas missed 25 tackles (17 in the first-half) in a poor defensive effort. However Snoxell, flanker Paddy Ford and hooker Liam Bernet all played with plenty of passion.

Result: Lindisfarne College 32 (Mason Emerson 2, Wi-Rangi Parata, Harrison McPhail tries; Tiaan Falcon 3 cons, 2 pens), Francis Douglas Memorial College 20 (Beauden Fleming, Shaun Phillips, Joe Brophy tries; Eli Kneepkens, 1 con, 1 pen).

Halftime: 25-8.