Nelson-Murray pushed captain and in-form openside flanker Chris Johnston close for player-of-the-match honours. Johnston had a huge defensive workrate, his decision making at breakdown time was spot on and his fitness levels are so high they allowed him to have enough oxygen to give referee Hugh Reed plenty of advice.
Not that Reed needed it. The former world champion loosie with New Zealand age group teams gave another polished display even if a couple of his former Tech teammates might disagree until after they watch video footage of the game.
As the score indicates NOBM were dominant on the way to their third consecutive Nash Cup win and 42nd consecutive victory in Nash Cup or Maddison Trophy play. Their trust in their systems and trust in each other was far superior to the Texans.
Far too often Tech were guilty of playing too much rugby in their red zone and making too many unforced errors under relentless pressure. Although as Tech head coach and former NOBM assistant coach Asa Ene was quick to point out:
"One the one occasion we did kick the ball out of our 22 they scored off it."
Although Tech weren't as competitive as they were when beaten 35-25 by the Green Machine in March Ene is confident his lads can close the gap when the two sides meet again.
"We know what we have to do. We can learn from this and we can close the gap. We came here to win today and we had the game plan to do it. NOBM did their home work and showed their intent from the start. Yes their backs were slick but that was because of the good work from their forwards," Ene said.
Poor discipline proved costly for the visitors. Second five-eighth Ted Walters and fullback JJ Taulagi both had stints in the sinbin at opposite ends of the second half.
As so many teams have discovered during the last three seasons ... it's tough enough trying to beat Johnston and co with 15 players let alone 14. While the NOBM backs were classy and attacked at pace with accurate passing the Tech backs were guilty of throwing numerous speculation passes.
NOBM head coach Craig Gowler labelled fullback Saia Paese his best back. This could easily have been winger Michael Buckley, who also scored two tries and bombed a third, or centre Shae Tucker.
Brighouse was again destructive and constructive as required at No 8. Blindside flanker Ricky Hayes also did plenty to suggest his Mitre 10 Cup appearance last year won't be his last.
Lock Elijah Martin, flanker Jordan Faia and prop Mark Braidwood all had high workrates in the losing pack. Considering Faia is in his first season in the forwards after switching from the backs he can be proud of his progress.
While Tech captain and No 8 Tauese Fatialofa said afterwards his team had come along way the Texans and other teams in the competition need to do a hell of a lot more during the next four weeks if they are going to stop NOBM from matching the record of 46 consecutive wins in Hawke's Bay premier play set by Clive during the 1999 and 2001 seasons.
