A last-minute unconverted try denied the Wanganui Collegiate 1st XV outright victory in an annual quadrangular in Nelson yesterday.
The Collegiate lads were caught on the hop early in their match against Canterbury's Christ College and suddenly found themselves 10-0 down.
However, coach Guy Lennox said to their credit, hislads picked up the pace, mainly through the forwards, to dominated play in front of a huge, vocal crowd.
"Our scrum was awesome and probably the best of the quadrangular and that allowed our boys to pick up the pace and go out to an 18-13 lead with just minutes to go. Unfortunately, Christ College scored in the dying minute to make it 18-all at the final whistle. Thankfully they didn't convert," Lennox said.
"This tournament has been amazing with a huge crowd and that has given our players a great experience. Our points came from tries by Charlie Robson and Jonty Duncan, while Jack Lupton kicked a conversion and two penalties. A win would have been nice, but I guess a draw is the next best thing."
Earlier in the tournament Collegiate had lost to a strong Nelson side 34-10.
Changes to the Collegiate playing itinerary has put the clash against Lindisfarne at home this Saturday in doubt.
"I'm not quite sure when that game will be played now. I think it may be the following weekend and if that's the case it will give our guys a well-earned rest. They've been up a while now."
