Rugby: Captain Johnston stars as NOBM book final spot

NOBM captain Chris Johnston was outstanding in last night's first match at the Spillane Cup tournament. Photo / File

Captain Chris Johnston spent 26 hours of flying and six hours of bus travel during the two days leading up to his Napier Old Boys Marist rugby team's opening game at the Spillane Cup tournament in Auckland last night.

But this didn't stop the openside flanker from producing an inspirational display as the defending champions beat hosts Auckland Marist 24-14 to book a berth in tomorrow's final of the 87th edition of the tournament against Hutt Old Boys Marist. Johnston spent three-and-a-half weeks in Europe and said he was inspired by the form of former NOBM teammate Joseph Penitito in a club game in France.

"We went along to watch Joe who came off the bench and scored two tries in five minutes as he returned from injury," Johnston recalled.

"Considering I had limited training during the last four weeks I was happy with how I went. I'm in the Magpies wider training squad and I'm hoping to crack the Mitre 10 Cup squad this season. Most of the fitness from the Hawke's Bay Sevens campaign was still there too," Johnston said.

With 11 NOBM players unavailable for the Auckland trip with injuries Johnston also impressed with his recruiting ability during the trip north. He secured the services of brothers, prop Hef from Hamilton and flanker Andrew from Auckland. Neither had played for three seasons, although Andrew has played AFL in Auckland in recent years.

Hef had 15 minutes off the pine and Andrew 10.

"I was very proud of our boys tonight. They showed a lot of heart," NOBM head coach Craig Gowler said after the match.

"We led 24-0 at halftime and that woke Auckland up. While we took all of our opportunities we were fortunate Auckland bombed a few of theirs and we had a few calls go our way," Gowler said.

Regular outside back and third-string halfback Sam Weber was instrumental in the victory playing in the No 9 jersey. Gowler said his two Magpies halfbacks, Ellery Wilson and Zac Donaldson, can expect plenty of hot competition from Weber when the Nash Cup competition begins on March 24.

Matt Gardner had a huge workrate at No 8 and second five-eighth Paul Bickle was classy.

"To get through this game with 19 players was a huge achievement. Fortunately we've got another three arriving tomorrow," Gowler said referring to winger Michael Buckley, centre Shae Tucker and flanker Willie Benson.

Weber, Gardner, winger Sonny Lilo and fullback Liam Edwards scored tries for NOBM last night and veteran centre Migao Lauano kicked two conversions. Hutt Old Boys Marist pipped Marist Albion of Christchurch 22-20 to secure their berth in tomorrow's midday final.

Hastings Rugby and Sports open their Ham Cumming Cup division two campaign with a match against Taranaki's Tukapa Rugby and Sports at 3.15pm today.