Waimea Old Boys lock Lee McBrydie toes the ball through before diving over for the game winning try against Stoke. Photo Jacob Page.

Lock’s long limbs leads to crucial try

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Waimea Old Boys lock Lee McBrydie found the perfect time to score his first try of the season.

The ranging lock probably wasn’t on the top of the list to be chasing a chip kick from his first five eights Luca Roden, but he got his legs pumping and grounded it deep in the ‘in goal.’

It proved to be the turning point in Waimea Old Boys winning 22-18 and booking their spot in the semifinals of the Nelson Bays division one rugby competition.

Lee’s second half effort came after a rough first half.

A stray knee in a ruck had opened up a cut above his left eye.

It made him look like a wounded boxer rather than a rugby player.

Waimea lock Lee McBrydie shows the wounds of battle during the senior rugby match with Stoke on Saturday. Photo: Evan Barnes Shuttersport.
Waimea lock Lee McBrydie shows the wounds of battle during the senior rugby match with Stoke on Saturday. Photo: Evan Barnes Shuttersport.

“I’ve been chasing the ball all season so I was happy to get one.

“I was thinking to myself that I had to keep running and try to watch the ball and hope for a good bounce.”

The referee discussed the decision with his assistant in front of numerous WOB supporters and eventually agreed it was a try.

“I was certain I got there first,” Lee says. “I saw it hit the ground with my hand so I was 100 per cent certain.”

It opened up a 22-11 lead early in the second half and, despite a late try to Stoke winger Chris Little which set up a grandstand finish, the visitors held on.

“The guys showed plenty of heart,” Lee says. “We have had a lot of injuries and there are some young guys out there really trying.”

Waimea Old Boys will face top qualifiers Wanderers who had already booked top spot prior to their 35-19 loss to Nelson.

Marist await Nelson after they beat Kahurangi 48-38.

In division two; Collingwood beat Takaka 43-12, Waimea Old Boys downed Stoke 17-5, Marist edged Huia 30-24, Nelson were too strong for Wanderers 24-12 and Riwaka thrashed Rangers 53-12.

Collingwood will host Huia and WOB will welcome Riwaka in their semifinals.