Hutt Old Boys Marist win Hardham Cup

Hutt Old Boys Marist have won the 2016 Hardham Cup, beating Petone 17-5 at the Hutt Recreation Ground.

Up 10-0 at half time after playing the first 40 minutes with the wind advantage, there were questions whether the 10-point buffer would be sufficient against a potent, wind-backed Petone backline and these doubts were amplified after a try to Petone hooker Eugene Smith just minutes into the second period.

But, overcoming the elements, Hutt continued to control the game as they did in the first half to deny Petone any further additions to the scoreboard to beat their cross-town rivals who suffered their first ever loss in a Hardham Cup final.

The sloppy conditions played a big part in the first half, hampering both sides’ ability to play expansive rugby as Hutt Old Boys Marist enjoyed the vast majority of territory.

Despite numerous handling errors handing Petone possession in the early-goings of the match, Hutt’s territory domination paid off when first five-eighth Brandyn Laursen kicked the game’s first three points.

With the wind advantage Hutt controlled proceedings as the first half continued, though the play was error-ridden with the Eagles and Villagers both struggling to string together phases of much significance.

However, still willing to play open rugby were the hosts, turning down penalty goals – a decision which eventually paid dividends.

As Petone attempted to exit their half, they conceded possession, giving Hutt an opening on the left side of the field. Keeping the ball within the forwards, No. 8 Lise Soloa – the best player on the field on the night - bustled over Petone’s line a handful of phases later to score the game’s first try.

Laursen would slot the difficult conversion to put Hutt up 10-0 going into the half.

When Smith scored for Petone, it looked as though the game was up for taking, though, just as the Villagers looked to be gaining momentum they would shortly lose their steam when No 8 Taurima Morris was sin-binned.

The yellow card came after Hutt continually turned down points on awarded penalties, heaping pressure on the visitors which eventually resulted in Morris’ sin-binning – a moment that proved to be crucial to the match’s result.

Though Hutt failed to score while Morris was on the sideline, Petone weren’t able to reduce their five-point deficit, which was soon extended out to 12 as Hutt placed one hand on the Hardham Cup.

Feeding off substitute halfback Nick Risdon’s experience and stability, Hutt again placed the ball into Petone’s 22-metre area. Then capitalising on a tighthead scrum win just 10 metres out from Petone’s goal line, the HOBM forwards had several goes at Petone’s line before captain James O’Reilly dug his way over the chalk, putting the Eagle’s in pole position just 15 minutes out from full time.

Playing with more flare than earlier in the game, Petone attempted to incorporate their backline as the clock wound down into the final 10 minutes but, as was the case for the majority of the evening, Petone’s passes didn’t quite go to hand as HOBM held out the Villagers to claim a hard-fought Hardham Cup victory.

Petone’s efforts weren’t low, particularly in the case of flanker Mateaki Kafatolu, though the combined efforts of several HOBM standouts were what earned the hosts the victory.

Soloa was hugely influential for the Eagles, regularly getting over the advantage line while also breaking Petone’s defensive line a handful of times for big gain. He was rewarded with a try, as was O’Reilly who led his team well and tackled tirelessly with his flanker Matt Sleith.

HOBM 17 (Lise Soloa, James O’Reilly tries; Brandyn Laursen pen, con, Liam Forbes con) Petone 5 (Eugene Smith try).