Wellington Rugby’s Finals Weekend has kicked off today as the Women’s Premier, the BNZ Age Grade and the Hardham Cup finals were played at Petone Rec this afternoon.
Poneke were crowned Hardham Cup winners with a close 20-17 win over Old Boys University. After being behind 12-10 at halftime, Poneke bounced back to take their first Hardham Cup title since 1997.
In the Victoria Tavern Women’s Trophy Final, Wainuiomata Clive’s Chemist took out the title over Northern United Carrus Corporation with a 13-8 scoreline.
Old Boys University Green won the BNZ Age Grade Division 1 Final for the John E Kelly Cup. In the final against Wellington, they took out the trophy with a 23-14 win.
Wellington Rugby’s Manager of Amateur Rugby, Will Caccia-Birch said, “Wellington Rugby would like to congratulate all the teams that made their respective finals today. A special mention to Poneke, Wainuiomata and Old Boys University Green who won today, on what was a fantastic way to kick off the Finals Weekend.”
Wellington’s premier rugby action will continue tomorrow on day two of the Finals Weekend. Wellington College and St Patrick’s College, Silverstream will contest the NZ Uniforms Secondary Schools Premier 1 Final and defending champions, Oriental Rongotai Tracer Construction and Marist St Pats will contest the Jubilee Cup Final at Hutt Rec.
For the second year running both games will be broadcasted live on the Rugby Channel with coverage of the Secondary Schools match from midday, followed by the Jubilee Cup at 2.30pm.
Wellington Rugby CEO, James Te Puni said, “We congratulate all the teams for making it to the finals and to everyone who participated in rugby in Wellington in 2012. The involvement from the thousands of players, coaches, referees, administrators and volunteers within our clubs and schools ensure rugby remains strong in our province.”
“Our curtain raiser match tomorrow is an exciting one as a repeat of last year’s final which was closely won 20-18 by Wellington College. Both colleges will be eager to take out the title to allow them to go on to represent the Capital at the Hurricanes Top Four playoffs and we wish them all the best.”
“Our last match of the weekend, the Jubilee Cup Final, is the ultimate in Wellington club rugby and both teams will be excited about the prospect of taking the cup back to their club tomorrow. Good luck to both sides.”
Day One Scoreboard from Petone Rec
BNZ Age Grade Division 1 Final - John E Kelly Cup
Old Boys University Green 23 beat Wellington 14
Victoria Tavern Womens Trophy Final
Wainuiomata 13 (Time, Puepuemai tries; Collins pen) beat Northern United 8 (Collins try; Conley pen). HT: Northern United 8-0.
Hardham Cup Final
Poneke 20 (Dane Coles, Sam Tui tries; Mike Cody 2 pen 2 con) beat Old Boys University 17 (Joe Hill 2, Titapu Pairama-Lewington tries; Hill con). HT: OBU 12-10.
Day Two Action at the Hutt Rec
NZ Uniforms Secondary Schools Premier 1 Final
Wellington College v St Patrick’s College Silverstream, kick off 12.15pm.
Jubilee Cup Final
Oriental Rongotai Tracer Construction v Marist St Pats, kick off 2.35pm.
Entry will be by gold coin donation.