St Patrick’s College, Silverstream: 23 (Losi Filipo, Haize Alatipi tries, Josh Robertson-Weepu 2 con, 3 pen) Scots College: 20 (Samuela Netzler, Sam Dawson tries, Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con 2 pen) HT: 13-7
The Report
St Patrick’s College, Silverstream have cemented a place in the Premier One Grand-Final against Wellington College after a thrilling win against Scot’s College. A single penalty goal separated the two evenly matched sides.
It was the home side, Silverstream, who started the much better of the two teams. Early pressure saw Scots leak 13 unanswered points.
The first try of the game was scored by year 10 rookie, Losi Filipo, as he received an inside cut ball from Five-Eight, Chase Tiatia. Filipo appeared to have been stopped short of the line but an outstretched arm gave an indication of his determination.
Fullback, Josh Robertson-Weepu was in fine form with the boot. He would convert Filipo’s try and slot two 45 meter penalty attempts.
Scots would soon find their feet however with a long range try to winger, Samuela Netzler. A series of passes down the left touchline saw Jackson Garden-Bachop deliver the last pass for his winger to dot down, 13-7 at halftime.
Soon after the break Scots would find themselves ahead on the scoreboard with another long range try, this time coming the way of number 8, Sam Dawson, who found himself in the right place at the right time. A loose ball saw Scots break away in similar fashion to their first try and a chip kick by Garden-Bachop for Dawson saw Scots edge ahead 14-13, much to the delight of their strong support and rowdy bagpipes that accompanied.
A tight finish was inevitable with the forward battle even and a plethora of penalties coming every which way. Robertson-Weepu confidently slotted his third penalty goal for Silverstream only for Garden-Bachop, the other double-barreled goal kicker, to respond with two penalties of his own to push Scots ahead 20-16.
Silverstream thrust back onto attack and won a lineout five meters shy of the Scots goal line. The atmosphere was buzzing as captain Andrew Knight threw in for Silverstream. Lock Aidan Woodward, a big contributor, secured the ball and a ruck was formed. Haize Alatipi then made a blockbusting run towards the line and scored. Robertson-Weepu slotted the conversion for a 23-20 Silverstream lead.
Scots would have one last roll of the dice. After opting for a lineout from a penalty, Scots, would find themselves hot on attack on Silverstream’s line. A knock on in the dying stages saw Silverstream victorious and a delighted group of students ambush their peers on the field.
Silverstream through to the final 23-20. Another close and character building victory for this improving young team.
Scots have much to write home about in their stellar season. For the first time they made the Wellington semi finals and in Garden-Bachop they have a player who will go close to New Zealand Schools selection. The big four now have another proud college to contend with in Premier One in the years to come.
Acknowledgments: Hugh Pretorius for the photos