Nelson second five David Havili leaves defenders in his wake during Saturday's Tasman Trophy semi final at Trafalgar Park. Photo: Phillip Rollo.

Nelson reach final for the second year

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Nelson has a chance to defend the Bayleys Tasman Trophy this weekend, earning a date in the finals with Wanderers.
It is the second time in as many years that Galbraith Nelson will contest the competition’s final, having surpassed top Blenheim side Central 24-10 at Trafalgar Park on Saturday.
Nelson got off to a perfect start with hooker Mitchell Thwaites and fly half James Lash scoring first half tries. But the side would only add more points from the boot of David Havili as conditions restricted a fast flowing game.
Speaking ahead of the final, Nelson coach Peter Grigg is well aware of the strengths Wanderers possess, as the side is currently undefeated this season and says his side’s playoff experience would not count for much. “What happened last year doesn’t really matter at all,” he says. “It’s a different playing field. They beat us quite easily in the first round so I would’ve thought they’d be quite confident going into it.”
Peter highlighted Tasman Makos lock Alex Ainley as Wanderers’ biggest asset along with backs Sione Holani, Trael Joass and Kerehama Barrett.
Nelson’s season was always going to be a battle when factoring in the number of injuries and departures from last year’s championship winning campaign. But the injury toll is still mounting with Mitchell out for the season with a broken jaw while last year’s captain Craig Moore will be attending a wedding and will miss the match. “It’s tough but it’s just how this season has been for us really. We’re like two steps forward, three steps back every week we seem to get a major injury.”
While the time and venue of the fixture is unconfirmed, it is likely to be at Trafalgar Park on Saturday at 3pm.