Under 19’s put Silverware in the Cupboard

Our only team that managed to get through the Semi-final hoodoo this season has managed to carry on and win the Under 19 Grand Final.

On a Petone Rec No1 that has almost recovered from the worst winter in years, the Under 19’s showed bucketloads of flair and potential to score seven outstanding tries and put a competitive OBU side away 45-14.

Coaches Brent Little and Murray Blandford along with Manager Peter Castle and an entourage of Parents, Grandparents and Supporters have done a fantastic job with this team all season and it was a thrill to see them get their rewards.

Unfortunately the Colts team joined the Premiers and Senior 1st’s in bowing out at the Semi-final stage on a far from suitable Evans Bay Park against a much improved MSP side.

Finally the Senior Seconds had something to celebrate with a hard fought win over Johnsonville in a match that saw the lead chnge on several occasions.

The following match report on the Eric Connelly Cup Final also appears in the teams' section.

The Petone Under 19's completed a successful season by beating OBU 45-14 on the Petone #1 field in front of a big crowd. This win saw them take out the Eric Connelly Cup, after winning the James Gilbert Memorial Trophy earlier in the season. The team finished the season having won all sixteen matches they played, scoring 872 points for, while conceding only 65.

On a perfect day for rugby, the Petone boys were keen to finish their season in style, and they did this and more. The scoring started in just the second minute, when 1st 5/8 Sam Blandford scampered through a gap from just outside the 22 to score under the posts. The conversion went over to leave the score 7-0.

OBU competed well after the initial try, taking it to Petone in the forwards. The smaller Petone pack defended magnificently, rarely falling off tackles while showing a willingness to move the ball wide. It was after a turnover on the Petone 22 in the 19th minute that the ball was moved quickly out to winger George Bevin and he left the OBU defence in shreds as he raced away down the left wing touch to score under the posts.

This opened the floodgates as three minutes later a OBU clearing kick was charged down by Sam Blandford and after toeing the ball ahead he scored to the left of the uprights. Three minutes later fullback Jacob Stirling scored after a well executed backline move. That six minute period of play had seen 21 points scored and Petone were out to a 28-0 lead.

While no more points were scored it wasn't through a lack of effort. The forward pack continued to fight hard to win possession and run it at every opportunity. A few handling errors were made but justified considering the pace of the game.

It was important for Petone to score first in the second half to shut OBU completely out of the game. This was achieved in the seventh minute when impressive fullback Jacob Stirling scooted through a gap created by another well-worked back move and he scored under the posts. The 35-0 lead saw a few changes being made in the Petone team with Dilip Ranchhod and Maloni Lama having a well-earned break. OBU managed a consolation try before George Bevin scored his 34th try of the season. Despite OBU scoring again, it was fitting that Petone score the last points right on fulltime when replacement right winger Albert Lauti crossed after a number of impressive runs by the backs.

It was a satisfying win for a team that had dedicated themselves all season to playing disciplined, controlled, and open rugby. Every single player excelled in the Final, playing with huge commitment and skill. Not one player can be picked out above any other as they all played with heart and commitment. Everyone had a moment when they made a key tackle, took a key lineout, or made a run that set up another exciting break.

Celebrations continued well into the night (rumour has it Murray and Jane were spotted at The Big Kumara celebrating with the boys at 2am), and hopefully all of the team will return to the Club next year to play.

George Bevin (2), Jacob Stirling (2), Sam Blandford (2), Albert Lauti tries. Sam Blandford (4), Voni Lama conversions.

To see a video of the aftermatch presentation go to the following link on Youtube:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=heWSUDQgfxU