St Pat’s Silverstream win WelTec Premiership

UPDATED Monday: St Patrick’s College, Silverstream beat Wellington College 17-11 in the final of this afternoon’s WelTec Premiership at Jerry Collins Stadium.

Silverstream won a typically tight and brutal affair three tries to one, reversing a 7-11 halftime deficit to pull clear in the second spell.

The game turned midway through the second half when abrasive Wellington College blindside Mellenniumma-Gerrad Leota was sent to the sin-bin. Silverstream soon pounced, scoring two unconverted tries.

An attacking scrum inside Wellington’s 22 saw the blue and white marauders rip the ball back across the face of the posts to blockbusting centre Albert Polu who dotted down in the hotdog stand corner. The conversion fell short, but Silverstream were now in the lead 12-11.

Minutes later first-five Harrison Boyle dashed 65-metres only to be stopped agonisingly short of the try line. Silverstream recycled possession and fullback Todd Svenson muscled over in a triple tackle.

The last moments were frantic and confusing. Wellington launched a series of bold and unsuccessful attacks from their own quarter. There was a long injury delay, before proceedings resumed despite the scoreboard clock showing fulltime. Wellington advanced to halfway before conceding a penalty. Boyle tapped the ball and noticed wing Todd Svenson in space. Svenson surged towards the corner, but was reined in by Wellington lock Taine Plumtree. Wellington attacked again, before a fumble saw Boyle kick the ball out to terminate the contest.

Earlier Wellington had the assistance of a strong southerly and hassled Silverstream into repeat errors. Fullback Josh Morgan-Ranui kicked two penalties and it was 6-0 to Wellington.

Silverstream wing Chris Aumua hold the record for most tries in a Land Rover Frist XV match and he showed why with a stunning individual try midway through the first-spell. Aumua roared into a hole just outside the Wellington 22 and swatted aside three defenders on the way to the try line.

Wellington’s forwards were more passionate for much of the first-half and exceptional No.8 Naitoa Ah Koi powered over to make it 11-7 at the interval.

Silverstream have scored 146 tries in winning 16 straight games in 2017. Wellington was able to disrupt Silverstream’s free-flowing backs with tenacious defence and initially beer use of the breezy conditions which were difficult for both teams.

In addition to the before mentioned Ah Kuoi, Plumtree and Leota, lock Ben Strowger-Turnock and openside Fergus Murray were outstanding for the runners-up.

For Silverstream, Boyle’s authority and flair was telling. Flankers Josh Southall and Teegan Harawira were a hive of activity, lock Neyla Masima had his best game of the season and Higgins despite some wobbly moments provided a creative attacking force. Wellington College halfback Thomas Bramley also had an assured game.

Silverstream are Premier I championships for the first time since 2012 and will play Palmerston North Boys’ High School in a Hurricanes Regional semi-final at Silverstream next Saturday.

Wellington College will get a second-life, but have to tackle unbeaten Super 8 Champions Hastings Boys’ High School.