Rongotai College rally to reach semi-finals

Rongotai College: 20 (Jason Tuitama, Penalty try. Matiu Samuel 2 con, 2 pen) St Pat's Silverstream: 13 (Callum Harkin try, 2 pen. 1 con)

In a carbon-copy of the traditional fixture played in June, Rongotai College rallied late to beat hosts St. Pats Silverstream in the Quarter Finals of the Weltec Premiership.

Played in wet and muddy conditions, Rongotai started strongly capitalising on an error from the kickoff. Standout fly-half Matiu Samuel kicked a penalty to put the visitors into an early lead.

Silverstream sprung to life and stormed into the Rongotai 22, coming away with points on both occasions via a penalty and try (with a conversion) from halfback Callum Harkin.

Silverstream led at halftime 10-6 with Matiu Samuel adding another three pointer before the break.

Samuel ran the Rongotai backline well and kept play organised in a standout performance. His kicking was crucial in the outcome of the match.

The Silverstream curse of surrendering half-time leads continued. They have blown five halftime leads this season.

Rongotai levelled things up midway through the second-half with a runaway try to left wing Jason Tuitama. Stream captain Jarrod Harawira was in the sin bin for repeated infringements at the breakdown by his team.

It was 13-all with fifteen minutes to go. Rongotai took the lead about seven minutes before fulltime. Speedster Esi Komaisavai was adjudged to have been impeded chasing a kick to the in goal area resulting in a penalty try. The conversion was kicked and suddenly Rongotai found themselves ahead for the first time.

Silverstream gave their all in the final six minutes, bustling into the visitors 22 numerous times, but the attacks resulted in no profit. Rongotai's defence was outstanding and they reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2011.

Apart from Samuels other standouts for Rongotai included the Taoipu brothers (DJ and Va'a). The midfield combination of Denny To'o and Reuben Va'a proved slippery in the second half.

For Silverstream openside Josh Southall tackled himself to a standstill. Second-five Albert Polu and winger Chris Aumua were threatening at times too.

Rongotai travels to St Pat's Town for a semi-final while Silverstream have to settle for a fifth place playoff against Scots College, who was upset by Wairarapa College in Strathmore in the other Quarter Final.

Scots and Silverstream have to play grading games just to reach Premier One in 2017!