Goodes double helps Lions hold off Steamers

Wellington: 24 (Reg Goodes 2, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con) Bay of Plenty: 10 (Terrence Hepetema try, Luke Campbell 1 pen, Dan Hollinshead 1 con). HT: 17-3.

Wellington have won their third game in a row, foiling Bay of Plenty 24-10 on a bleak night at the Westpac Stadium.

A three-try burst early in the first-half was sufficient to resist a spirited Steamers challenge.

The early exchanges were error-ridden as both teams struggled to adjust to the inclement weather.

In the 12th minute Wellington opened the scoring when Hoani Matenga claimed a two-handed catch from a lineout and Wellington drove 15-metres to the goal line. Prop Reg Goodes finished.

Four minutes later Peter Umaga-Jensen, unmarked on the wing, collected a cross-kick from Jackson Garden-Bachop. Earlier breaks by Sam Lousi and Reg Goodes had the Bay of Plenty defence in disarray.

In the 20th minute Luke Campbell chipped over a penalty to put the visitors on the board, but a minute later Lousi barged through the Steamers defense again. Jackson Garden-Bachop supported the rampaging lock on the wing and drew the last defender to create a try for Wes Goosen.

Goosen showed his defensive qualities later in the half when he pulled down Luke Campbell and held up Monty Ioane as both players threatened to cross the chalk.

In the 43rd minute Wellington secured a four-try bonus point when Goodes muscled over from close range.

In the 53rd minute Bay of Plenty at last breached the hosts defense when Terrace Hepetema gathered a grubber to skid in under the posts, but accept for Jesse Parete being penalised for a double-movement in the act of grounding the ball over the goal line neither team created much else in a dull finish.

The Lions who Roared

Lousi played his best game of the season making a series of bullying runs. Goosen was hungry for work and made some telling cover tackles. Mark Reddish was a hive of activity and Goodes capped a fine display with two well-taken tries.

By the Numbers

Wellington led at halftime for the first time this season.

Reg Goodes doubled his career try tally. He has scored four tries in 44 matches for the Lions.
Wellington have won their last four games against Bay of Plenty.

Where to next

Wellington should extend their winning streak against Northland in Whangarei next Thursday. Bay of Plenty tackles Auckland in Rotorua on September 25.

The Teams

Wellington: 1.Reg Goodes, 2.Leni Apisai, 3.Chris Baumann, 4.Mark Reddish, 5.Sam Lousi, 6.Brad Shields, 7.Greg Foe, 8.Hoani Matenga, 9.Tomasi Palu, 10.Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11.Wes Goosen, 12.Shaun Treeby, 13.Matt Proctor, 14.Jason Woodward, 15.Peter Umaga-Jensen. Substitutes: 16.Valentine Meachen, 17.Vince Sakaria, 18.Joe Apikotoa, 19.James Blackwell, 20.Galu Taufale, 21.Sheridan Rangihuna, 22.Pakai Turia, 23.Malo Tuitama.

Bay of Plenty: 1.Solomona Sakalia, 2.James O'Reilly, 3.Jeff Thwaites, 4.Troy Callander, 5.Shahn Eru, 6.Henry Stowers, 7.Hugh Blake, 8.Joe Tupe, 9.Luke Campbell, 10.Dan Hollinshead, 11.Regan Ware, 12.Terrence Hepetema, 13.Nick Evemy, 14.Monty Ioane, 15.Isaac Te Aute. Substitutions: 16.Joseph Royal, 17.Aidan Ross, 18.Pingi Tala'apitaga, 19.Culum Retillick, 20. Jesse Parete, 21.Riki Tipuna, 22.Kelly Haimona, 23.Te Rangi Fraser