St Pats to good for New Plymouth

Adam Julian

Photo: LDV Photography

St Patrick’s College, Silverstream held New Plymouth Boys’ High School scoreless in the second-half to claim a 15-3 victory in the 90th annual traditional fixture at the Gully this afternoon.

The visitors margin of victory could have been larger had it not been for sloppy finishing. The hosts hardly fired a shot in the second-half.

With wins over Feilding High School, Auckland Grammar School, Francis Douglas Memorial College, Wanganui Collegiate and St Kentigern College this season, New Plymouth was expected to be a formidable opponent. They were outclassed physically by the hungrier tourists.

New Plymouth started brightly, stretching the Silverstream defence and setting up a penalty which first-five Callum Tito slotted in the fifth minute. It was to be their last scoring act, despite being held-up over the try line three times.  

The Silverstream midfield of Tony and Emmanuel Solomona was an ever-present threat. In the 11th minute Tony went sailing through a hole as Silverstream camped inside the New Plymouth 22. Two taps from penalties resulted in no profit, but when a scrum was taken an overlap was created for wing Callum Wanden. Xavier Jacobs converted from near the posts to make it 7-3.

Another break by Tony almost ended in disaster for Silverstream. Reserve outside back Ben McAlister snatched an intercept and forced an urgent retreat from desperate cover. Similar hustle was required to prevent wing Lachlan Guthrie from dashing clear.

Three minutes into the second-half New Plymouth centre Samuel Vakadula made a thrust towards the line and was held up in a tangle of bodies. Ironically Tony Solomona then turned from provider to poacher, latching onto an attempted skip-ball to make a euphoric 95-meter sprint. Jacobs applied the icing and suddenly the score was 12-3.

Silverstream frequently punctured the New Plymouth defence close to rucks. Prop Senio Sanele and blindside Conner Tuifao were abrasive with their carries and Emmanuel Solomona often kept the ball alive with his supreme offloads, if only sometimes he’d show restraint. Openside Sam Morgan was man of the match with a series of piercing busts, tough tackles, and outstanding presence.

A 48th minute Jacobs penalty extended the margin to 15-3. Five minutes later another shot travelled wide-right.

The intent to attack by Silverstream was commendable, but they’ll rue some rushed and careless moments which could be punished by better sides.

No.8 Che Potaka battled gamely for New Plymouth who were given a rude wakeup call ahead of their opening Super 8 match against champions Hamilton Boys’ High School in Hamilton next Thursday.

Silverstream plays Porirua College this Saturday in the second round of Premier I.

Across town, Francis Douglas Memorial College lost to Whanganui Collegiate 24-15 in the Central North Island competition. 

Head to Head:

New Plymouth Wins: 53
Silverstream Wins: 33
Draws: 4