It was probably an exaggeration but Central manager Ian Large reckoned Carroll outplayed Elliot on the day.
"Look out Waipukurau tonight," Large said as he distanced himself from a jubilant changing room to relay the news via cellphone.
With 10 minutes remaining, Central fullback Brayden Hardwidge kicked a penalty to put his team ahead 13-12.
Busy No8 Ben Carpenter and lock Hugh Graham joined Carroll on Large's MVP list.
"It could have gone either way," Tamatea coach Adam McDonald said before praising his entire squad for the effort produced.
Centre Jordan Harmer, prop Alex Kireka-Starnes, lock Logan Beaton and Elliot were particularly prominent.
Taradale 33 Tech 18
Former Scotland Club XV representative Greggor McNeish was the hero as Taradale celebrated the 21st anniversary of their move from Taradale Park to Tareha Reserve with this victory.
McNeish converted all of Carters Frame and Truss Taradale's three tries and kicked three penalties and a dropped goal in his player-of-the-match performance. Halfback Thomas Eden and winger Josh Mahoni also operated well in the winning backline.
Captain and blindside flanker Andrew Gardner again led the winning pack by example. Former Taradale lock Elijah Martin joined No8 Levi Guildford as the best of the Tech forwards and former Taradale utility back Nathan Ramsey had a solid shift at second five-eighth in the Tech Group of Companies Napier Technical backline.
"Our forwards got blown off too much ball until the final quarter and by then it was too late," Tech manager Cyril Whitburn said.
Hastings 19 Havelock 13
Ansin & Monteith Hastings Rugby and Sports coach Aaron Bartlett praised his team's passion and accuracy after this club day win at Elwood Park.
"We've been missing that passion for several weeks and today we executed well. But at the same time, it was a costly win," Bartlett said pointing to lock Ben Parsons as he awaited an ambulance with a suspected broken leg.
Magpies prop Jason Long performed well at set piece for the hosts. In-form second five-eighth Neria Fomai and promising fullback Thomas Agnew were an enterprising pair in the winning backline.
"We lacked the necessary spark for the third consecutive week. Everyone is waiting for someone else to spark something," Havelock North coach Murdoch Paewai lamented.
Prop Emmanuel Maui, Hurricanes hooker Ricky Riccitelli and experienced loosie Luke Ottley had memorable moments as individuals but the villagers' pack wasn't as cohesive as it should have been. Midfielder Jesse Paewai was again the pick of the Havelock backs.
NOBM 39 Clive 13
HBI Insurances Napier Old Boys Marist kept their Nash Cup hopes alive with this convincing win at Farndon Park.
Chris Johnston, who had stints at flanker and second five-eighth, and consistent loosie Matt Gardiner were tireless workers in the visiting pack.
Centre Migao Lauano and winger David Benson were always dangerous on attack.
"Our defence was poor. But at the same time NOBM did well with their fast game out wide," said K9 Petfoods Clive coach Blair Cross.
Centre Duff Penitito, loosehead prop Nathan Bruce and No8 Lucas Goodin were the best of the riversiders.
MAC 27 Pirate 20
If NOBM are to miss out on Nash Cup glory this weekend, MAC will experience it.
MAC remained first equal with NOBM after this win against Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports at Flaxmere's Ron Giorgi Park.
Winger-centre William Schuster took his opportunities in the winning backline.
Captain and lock Everard Reid, No8 Api Sione and dynamic flanker Fale Matamata were inspirational in the winning pack.
"We blew it with poor defence in the first half but it was a good game," Pirate manager Charles Reid said.
Loosies Hamish Willis and Marcus Donovan had high work rates in the visiting pack.
Centre Matt Garland and former MAC winger Naua Auisele were eager for work in the Pirate backline.
