Wellington College beat Christchurch Boys’ High School

Wellington College have continued their resurgence defeating Christchurch Boys' High School 26-10 in the annual traditional fixture in the capital today.

In the six previous games between the schools', four had been decided by a point and the 2014 contest was drawn 19-19.

Despite a slightly heavy pitch both schools look to shift the ball wide early and it was Christchurch who had the best of the early chances. Wing Atu Manu was tackled by Naitoa Ah Kuoi with the try line at his mercy and Wellington foiled a determined sequence of pick and goes by the visitors under the nose of their own posts.

Wellington opened the scoring midway through the first-half when centre Reece Plumtree intercepted a pass and rushed 60 metres to score. The conversion made it 7-0.

Wellington started to gain the ascendancy. Plumtree sliced through the defence and flicked inside to second-five Stone Warren-Robinson who was denied only inches short. Warren-Robertson then went over the line, but via a forward pass by Toka Sopoaga.

Crucially, Wellington struck for their second try just before halftime when prop Qualen Asi rumbled over after multiple phases. It was 14-3 at the interval.

Wellington continued to build pressure early in the second-half, but it was Christchurch who stuck first when second-five Ben Chippendale squeezed past multiple defenders and burst 45 metres through traffic to score. Chippendale was the only Christchurch back that regularly caused problems for Wellington.

Christchurch made too many errors in their half and a fumble allowed Wellington College to quickly move the ball down the short side where Christchurch was undermanned and fullback Josh Morgan-Ranui darted in to make it 19-10.

Wellington sealed the match with a cracking try to Sopoaga . The ball was shared between forwards and backs as play switched from one touchline to the other in a sweeping 70 metre movement.

Wellington had a number of strong performers. Plumtree shined again with his incisive running and smart option taking. His partner Warren-Robertson was direct and difficult to topple.

Openside Gus McPherson was a workhorse and front-rowers Asi and Bronson Aiono were busy and physical. Adam Reid was the best of the visitors.

Wellington College meets unbeaten Rongotai College in their round four WelTec Premiership fixture on Saturday, while second placed CBHS meets mid-table St Thomas’ of Canterbury back home in the UC Championship.

The First XV rugby continues on Wednesday when St Pat’s Silverstream hosts St Bede’s College, also from Christchurch.

View video highlights of this contest here