Wellington College come from behind to beat Silverstream

Wellington College: 29 (Reece Plumtree 2, Mellenniumma Leota, Adrian Seumanufagai tries; Plumtree 3 con, 1 pen) St. Patrick's College, Silverstream: 26 (Albert Polu, Luke Mannix, Todd Svenson tries; Riley Forbes 3 con)

For the first time since 2012 Wellington College have won the Ken Gray Memorial Trophy, twice recovering from an 11-point deficit to defeat St. Pat’s Silverstream.

The turning point was in the 46th minute when Wellington was trailing 21-10.

Halfback Adrian Seumanufagai charged down a Silverstream clearance, snatched the ball and dashed 22m for a try.

The Wellington College forwards increased their intensity at the breakdown and the departure of Silverstream centre Albert Polu saw frequent holes appear in the home teams' defence. In the 54th minute blindside Mellenniumma Leota muscled over from a 5-metre scrum. Eight minutes later centre Reece Plumetree glided over after persistent attack.

Plumetree was named Man of the Match. He scored Wellington's first try just after halftime when they were down 14-3 and had profound impact on proceedings. He made multiple breaks and some crucial tackles and clearing kicks as Wellington scored their third win in a row in the WelTec Premiership.  

Earlier the burly Polu had been the centre of attention. He scored Silverstream's first try, barging over from a scrum move. In the 30th minute he powered through the Wellington defense in a 30-metre burst to help create a try for prop Luke Mannix.

Three times Lucas Dutton has scored two tries in a single game this season. The winger continued his rich vein of form when he eluded several defenders with a right-foot step and crossed in the 43rd minute.

Wellington scored 19 unanswered points before a cross-kick by reserve halfback Callum Harkin found Todd Svenson close to fulltime.

Silverstream have lost four games by three points or less this season. Wellington have won three games by less than five points.
 
Wellington ruled the lineout's and kick-off receptions. Both locks Taine Plumtree and Naitoa Ah Kuoi had strong games. First-Five Toko Sopoaga grew in confidence and Reece Plumtree became imperious.
 
For Silverstream lock Iona Apineru, halfback Callum McLachlan, wing Demitri Perez and fullback Harrison Boyle had some fine moments.

Wellington College are now three from three in the WelTec Premiership and Silverstream are one from three, having lost to Scots College on Saturday.

The WelTec Premiership continues this coming Saturday with three matches. Rongotai College play Bishop Viard College, St Pat’s Town host Wairarapa College and Scots College St Bernard’s College.

Meanwhile, in a dramatic end to this arvos Coed Cup semi-final,  Wainuiomata HS crossed at the death to beat holders Bishop Viard 31-29.