St Patrick’s College, Silverstream is the capital of Wellington secondary schools rugby league after winning both the Under-15 and senior secondary schools titles at Naenae College this afternoon.
In the Johnny Lomax Cup Under-15 final, Silverstream beat St Bernard’s College 44-24. The same schools contested the Stephen Kearney Trophy decider and Silverstream prevailed by the similar scoreline of 46-28.
Silverstream made an explosive start in the Stephen Kearney Trophy final scoring two quick tries to lead 10-0. St Bernard’s responded with a barge over try beside the posts.
Silverstream’s busy and bustling props Teddi Afamasaga-Hern and Nicholas Apikotoa (both try scorers) were particularly damaging in the middle of the park. Together their industry allowed Silverstream to expose fragile St Bernard’s defense on the flanks, involving speedsters Reihana Dalton and Todd Svenson who both profited with two tries each. Svenson completed his double after collecting a cross-kick which appeared to be bouncing over the sideline in spectacular fashion.
Albert Polu is typically a centre in Union, but plays league in the second-row. Polu proved consistently tough to restrain and scored two second-half tries, including a 65-meter bust, the longest try of the game.
To their credit St Bernard’s never surrendered, despite trailing 46-16 with about 10 minutes remaining. Bulldozer Eli Tuia smashed for two tries as did the small and sprightly halfback Theo Van Ooyen.
Silverstream wing Tajun Crosland-Misa scored a nice try when he stepped smartly off his left foot to dodge the fullback. Tajun’s father is the coach of the First XIII.
In contrast to the senior climax, St Bernard’s made the early running in the Johnny Lomax Cup final by scoring the first try and dominating field position.
Silverstream lifted their intensity and some punishing, but legitimate, defense resulted in two St Bernard’s players permanently leaving the field.
Silverstream centres Michael Matagi and Mitchell Southall were piercing with the former collecting a brace and the latter a solitary try after repeat breaks.
Sean Caulfield made several effective insertions from fullback and celebrated with two tries. Giant backrower Peter Lakai was man of the match and was rewarded with a try are were Braydin Harawira and Ignatius Sio.
For St Bernard’s Bree Henderson, Sene Fa’asoa, Te Aorere Wanoa and Lupi Luka were among their best and managed to cross the stripe.