Rugby: NOBM retain Nash Cup

Busy NOBM flanker Ricky Hayes unloads in a tackle during today's Nash Cup rugby final. Photo/Warren Buckland

Napier Old Boys Marist won the Nash Cup in Hawke's Bay's premier club rugby competition for the third consecutive year and in convincing fashion today.

WIT Napier Old Boys Marist thrashed Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical 59-10 at Park Island after leading 24-10 at halftime. It was the Green Machine's 42nd consecutive win in Nash Cup or Maddison Trophy play.

Captain and openside flanker Chris Johnston led the winning pack by example with another outstanding individual performance. Hooker Jack Nelson-Murray and flanker Ricky Hayes were others to shine in a cohesive unit.

Fullback Saia Paese and busy winger Michael Buckley both scored two tries. Their backline was far too slick for the Texans.

Although Tech were well beaten head coach Asa Ene, a former NOBM assistant coach, said he was confident of closing the gap when the two sides meet again.

"Yes their backs were classy today but it was because of the good work of their forward pack," Ene said.

Lock Elijah Martin, flanker Jordan Faia and prop Mark Braidwood all had high workrates in the losing pack.

Scorers:
Napier Old Boys Marist 59 (M Buckley 2, S Paese 2, S Tucker, P Bickle, T Symone-Bourke, C Benson, S Weber tries; J Lauano 7 cons), Napier Technical 10 (J Faia try; J Taulagi con, pen ). HT: 24-10.