Wellington College Stream-Rolled

St Patrick's College, Silverstream has retained the Ken Gray Memorial Trophy by trouncing Wellington College 46-0 in muddy, soggy conditions in Upper Hutt this afternoon.

Silverstream's margin of victory is the largest in the annual traditional fixture which stretches back to 1931.

The host's power and athleticism up front was overwhelming for the visitors, struggling in size and confidence.

Silverstream's superiority was best illustrated by their third try. Prop Chris Hemi breached the first line of defence prior to barreling the fullback like an angry bull on the loose in Pamplona. Hemi's burst ended marginally short of the line, but wing Fritz Raysi wouldn't be stopped from the next phase.

Hemi was a towering presence throughout, ploughing through a handful of tackles for the opening try and completing a double in the second spell, collecting a deft pass from fellow prop Luke Chisholm.

Silverstream led 27-0 at halftime and the pack was responsible for five of the eight tries. In addition to Hemi, flanker Iona Apineru and lock Neyla Masima played with authority and flair and were both rewarded on the scoresheet.

Silverstream shifted first-five Sam Clark to fullback allowing Riley Forbes (the leading points scorer in Premier I last season) a chance to run the cutter. Both boys were heavily involved and used their quick instincts to cross the chalk.  

Wellington only managed one clean break in the entire match. Second-five Caleb Robson burst from his own 22, stumbling at halfway.

Wellington hooker Ridge Studd and No.8 Flynn Crampton can hold their heads high. Studd has already played at least three positions this season, starting at openside flanker before shifting into the front row and finishing this encounter in the midfield. Crampton is a whole-hearted performer.

Silverstream's biggest win before today was 34-0 in 1934. Wellington's biggest win is 43-5 in 1992 - Robson's father Toby was fullback for Wellington College that day.

It’s the first time since 2000, Wellington has been held scoreless in the traditional and they only lost that affair 7-0. Wellington beat Silverstream 16-0 in 1999.

Silverstream improves to 3-0 in the Wellington premiership and hosts Rongotai College next Wednesday. Rongotai faces a stiff assignment on Saturday when they tussle with unbeaten St Pat's Town.

Wellington College has to front next Tuesday against UC Championship leaders Christchurch Boys’ High School.

Head to Head

Played: 87

Silverstream Won: 48

Wellington Won: 32

Draws: 7