Christchurch BHS beat Wellington College in worst conditions of the year

Christchurch Boys' High School have beaten Wellington College 17-5 in their annual traditional exchange match in the capital today.

Christchurch outscored Wellington College three tries to one, leading 12-0 at halftime.

The match was played in the worst conditions of the year, in steady rain, sporadic wind gusts and an increasingly muddy field. 

Christchurch Boys’ High School scored their 12th win in this match against Wellington College since 1995.

Wellington wilted in similar conditions last Wednesday in a record loss to St Patrick’s College, Silverstream.

Today the hosts' defence was far more committed and effective resulting in a genuinely competitive tussle.

Christchurch possibly enjoyed three-quarters of the territory but didn’t breach the Wellington line until the 20th minute when burly No.8 Corban Harding bustled over. The try happened after at least two penalty shots on goal had been turned down and after three reset scrums as both front rows struggled with their footing in the slush.

The Christchurch halves pairing of Louie Chapman and Ollie Lewis formed a sound partnership, frequently sending Wellington into retreat with some assured kicking.

Just prior to halftime, Christchurch scored their second try when prop Austin Hewitt rumbled over, punishing a Wellington fumble. The tighthead was excellent for Christchurch, bossing his side of the scrum and carrying strongly.

Wellington’s best chance in the first-half was when centre Frank Coop kicked a spillage forward and only just missed placing the ball before the dead ball line.

Wellington would make Christchurch pay from a kick early in the second spell though. A knock on by Max Hughes was hacked ahead by opposite Liam Collett who outpaced all chasers.

The mud made most of the combatants indistinguishable and the ball almost impossible to catch. The kick was the most potent attacking weapon and Hughes sealed Christchurch’s win, atoning for his earlier blemish, by kicking precisely for wing Yoji Yabe to slide in.

Wellington tighthead Geordie Bean and openside Ridge Studd were tireless and sometimes bruising on defence.

On Saturday, Wellington College meets St Bernard’s College while Christchurch Boys’ High School clash with St Bede’s College.

Results of this fixture since 1995 below: 

1995 - CBHS 0 - Wellington 41
1996 - CBHS 17 - Wellington 50
1997 - CBHS 25 - Wellington 10
1998 - CBHS 5 - Wellington 31
1999 - CBHS 8 - Wellington 0
2000 - CBHS 29 - Wellington 12
2001 - Not played
2002 - CBHS 0 - Wellington 5
2003 - CBHS 16 - Wellington 22
2004 - CBHS 15 - Wellington 13
2005 - CBHS 20 - Wellington 10
2006 - CBHS 31 - Wellington 3
2007 - CBHS 6 - Wellington 25
2008 - CBHS 10 - Wellington 32
2009 - CBHS 14 - Wellington 13
2010 - CBHS 6 - Wellington 16
2011 - CBHS 12 - Wellington 11
2012 - CBHS 15 - Wellington 14
2013 - CBHS 14 - Wellington 15
2014 - Draw 19 all
2015 - CBHS 34 - Wellington 25
2016 - CBHS 10 - Wellington 26
2017 - CBHS 26 - Wellington 22
2018 - CBHS 17 - Wellington 5