Laursen boots Hutt Old Boys Marist into Jubilee Cup final
We can now confirm the schedule for next week’s Finals Day at Petone Rec, after the completion of today’s semi-finals.
It’s been a particularly successful day for OBU, who have had all of their major teams- Premiers, Premier Reserves, Women’s and Colts- reach their respective finals.
Jubilee Cup
Old Boys University will play Hutt Old Boys Marist in the Jubilee Cup final next weekend, after two great semi-finals today.
OBU have beaten Tawa 50-22, after leading 24-8 at halftime. The Goats were simply far too good today, despite Tawa’s fightback in the second-half.
In our feature match, HOBM have narrowly beaten MSP in a thriller at Evans Bay Park.
Extended Feature Game: Hutt Old Boys Marist 19- Marist St Pats 14
Staunch defence and Brandyn Laursen’s composure under pressure has earnt Hutt Old Boys Marist a place in the Jubilee Cup final.
MSP launched attack after attack late in the second-half, only to continually hit rock-solid defence. The home side had their chances- Isaia Petelo and Bill Proctor broke the line in the final quarter- but they just couldn’t finish.
Hutt Old Boys Marist kept their cool and a long range penalty from Lauren sealed a well-earnt victory.
The early stages of the match were even, with Laursen and Andrew Wells trading penalties.
The match burst into life, when a perfectly-timed Fa’atonu Fili skip pass found Mike Buckley. From inside his half, Buckley sped down the line before an inside-outside step allowed him to score in the corner.
Hutt Old Boys Marist quickly responded with a try, after impressive tight-head prop Joe Apikatoa burrowed under near the posts. A late Wells penalty gave MSP a one-point lead at the break.
The second-half started with real intensity and neither team gave an inch. After both teams converted early penalties, Hutt Old Boys Marist held a 16-14 lead.
The match was on a knife-edge in the final quarter. MSP’s Wells hit the post off a penalty and his team regathered the ball. MSP then launched a final assault on the HOBM line but their defence remained intact.
Finally, HOBM got their hands on the ball and ran out of their danger zone. Eventually, HOBM were able to convert a penalty and run the clock down to earn a significant victory.
For the home side, Valentine Meachen and Isaac O’Conner ran hard all day. Isaia Petelo and Billy Proctor were a constant threat and Andrew Wells was a safe pair of hands at fullback.
For Hutt Old Boys Marist, Lions training squad member Joe Apikatoa was immense. His power in the scrums and rock solid defence was crucial. George Amosa was huge with ball-in-hand and strong on defence. Halfback Nick Risdon provided direction to his team and Laursen kicked his goals when it counted most.
Premier Reserves- Ed Chaney Cup
It’s been a good day for the Goats, with the reserve side comfortably beating MSP 56-17. In the other semi-final Petone narrowly beat Tawa 20-17.
We can now confirm OBU will play Petone in the Ed Chaney Cup Final next weekend.
Hardham Cup
The Rams have defeated Johnsonville 24-13, in a top of the table clash. In other matches, Poneke are returning to top form with a 48-10 victory against Avalon while Wellington beat Paremata-Plimmerton in a high-scorer 36-24.
It’s going to be a great final few weeks ahead!
Women’s Rugby
In the Victoria Tavern Trophy semi-finals, Ories have comfortably beaten MSP 38-5 while OBU have beaten Norths in a thriller.
We can confirm that the Victoria Tavern Trophy Final will see Ories play OBU.
In the Senior Women’s grade, Paremata-Plimmerton narrowly beat Poneke 12-10 to book a place in the final. In the other semi-final, Petone overwhelmed HOBM 52-20. The final will see Paremata-Plimmerton play Petone.
Colts Competition
In the Les Mills John E Kelly Memorial Cup, OBU Green have defeated Ories 41-20 and Petone have won against Tawa 39-14. This sets up a highly-anticipated final, as OBU play Petone.
In the Vic Calcinai Memorial Cup, the Upper Hutt Rams have defeated Wainui 19-17 and Kapiti won against Poneke 15-10. We can now look forward to a final in between Upper Hutt and Kapiti.
