It doesn't matter how you get there, the final result is all that counts. Article by WAYNE MARTIN in Nelson Mail

Nelson College have retained the Moascar Cup by the skin of their teeth, first five-eighth Willy Havili slotting a penalty from dead in front in the dying seconds to secure a nerve-jangling 27-25 UC Championship schools rugby win over St Thomas of Canterbury College in Nelson on Saturday.

No-one would have begrudged St Thomas' their win after their No 10 Patrick Elia had kicked what appeared to be the winning penalty to put the visitors ahead 25-24 with just three minutes remaining.

They'd outscored Nelson by four tries to two, the lead changing 11 times in a thrilling encounter, before Havili stepped up to calmly seal a fortuitous win.

But while a committed and aggressive St Thomas' team tried everything in their power to claim a historic Moascar Cup win, underlying the contest was a remarkable display of character by a Nelson side playing its fifth match in two weeks.

Some big, physical St Thomas ball carriers didn't help Nelson's cause as energy-sapping defence continued to drain Nelson's already depleted reserves. But they found a way and while St Thomas scored the tries, Havili continued to slot the goals - at least the ones that mattered - to end the game with 22 points after also contributing Nelson's only first half try.

St Thomas' had led 17-16 at halftime following first half tries to halfback Tapu Uliano, No 8 LM Vaifale and prop Jacob Mangels after he'd charged down a Havili kick. Left winger Ben Hazlett briefly restored Nelson's lead at 21-17 11 minutes into the second half before lock and captain Liam Robinson scored St Thomas' bonus point try to put them back in front at 22-21.

Havili and Elia then traded late penalties to complete a desperate Nelson victory.

St Thomas' forwards gained plenty of momentum from well-executed lineout drives often deep inside Nelson territory as weary Nelson players struggled to match execution with endeavour against a tough opponent.

There was no lack of effort on Nelson's part, but St Thomas' sensed their vulnerability and almost did enough to head back home with the prestigious trophy.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/sport/81937006/moascar-cup-stays-in-nelson--but-only-just