Silverstream Second XV takes out Premier 2 college title

The St Patrick’s College, Silverstream 2nd XV have successfully defended the Premier 2 Murray Jensen Cup, twice rallying from behind to beat St Bernard’s College First XV 27-20 in the final on home soil this afternoon.

When Silverstream prop Teddi Hern powered over with about five minutes left for his second try and then made a bullying 20-metre surge a few moments later, St. Bernard’s brave challenge was finally blunted.

St. Bernard’s skipped out to an early 8-0 lead, but Silverstream enjoyed most of the first-half ascendancy and led 17-8 at the interval. Silverstream’s tries were scored by second-five Cassius Misa, powerful No.8 Chris Hemi and Hern.

After sustained attack St. Bernard’s lock Bradley Prichard scored the incredible first try of the second-half. Despite a lanky and lean frame, Prichard carried half a dozen bodies with him over the try line after a determined 15-meter charge.

St Bernard’s No.8 Mika Alaifatu and second-five Alex Tupu demanded constant attention from the Silverstream defence and when the former scored a try, St. Bernard’s had a 20-17 lead.

Silverstream was the top qualifier and demonstrated why when wing Reihana Dalton finished an 85-metre breakout which stretched both touchlines and involved nearly a dozen pairs of hands.

In the two earlier Premier finals, Mana College leapt out of the blocks in the Premier 3 final against Upper Hut College, with an early blitz seeing them scoring three tries and lead 19-0 after 7 minutes. Upper Hutt closed the gap to 19-14 once they got hold of some ball, but that was as good as it got as Mana added a penalty and then two more second-half tries, before Upper Hutt got a consolation at the end for a 34-19 final. The Wellington College 3rd XV took the Premier 4 crown, shutting out Otaki 27-0.

In the three U15 finals Silverstream took the Division 1 honours, but didn't have things all their own way as St Pat's Town proved difficult to subdue despite Silverstream having the bulk of possession, winning 22-17. Silverstream also won the Division 3 title, with their third side scoring at the death to snatch it away from Wainuiomata 40-34 in an entertaining points-fest despite the boggy conditions. The Division 2 title went to Tawa 26-17 over Hutt International, but only after coming back from an early 0-12 deficit as HIBS dominated territory and possession.

Friday afternoon saw Silverstream's White side take the Under 55kg title, beating their Blue counterparts 52-19. The remaining weight-grade and the Premier 5 final will be played next weekend

Due to heavy grounds, the following finals will be played next Saturday, Premier 5, Under 80kg and both divisions of the Under 65kg.