Blues win fourth consecutive Paul Potiki Memorial Shield!
The Marist St Pats Blues have won their fourth consecutive Under 85kg Division One title beating Tawa 16-3 at Lyndhurst Park (video highlights below).
On a sunny afternoon in Tawa, the final was a true contest of the two best teams in the grade. The first half was an arm-wrestle with both teams defending strongly, but the Blues punished Tawa for their consistent infringement at the ruck with fullback Mark Houghton slotting three penalties. A yellow card for punching saw Tawa reduced to 14 men for the final ten minutes, but despite hammering the Tawa line the Blues just couldn't find a gap and led 9-3 at oranges.
The second half was played largely in the forwards, but the classy Blues backline looked dangerous every time they got the ball. After both teams enjoying periods with the ball, Tawa finally got some momentum late in the half crossing the MSP line a couple of times only to be held up by some stoic defense. Just when it looked like they might find an edge, second five Jared Hammington pounced on a Tawa error to run 50 metres to score the match winning try sealing the win 16-3. Lock Patrick Houghton was named player of the game.
This win caps off another huge year for coach Andrew Robinson and the team having earlier in the season won their fifth straight JC Bowl for winning the first round of the competition. The team has truly created a dynasty and are the most consistent team in Wellington rugby.
Congratulations to Andrew, captain David Rice and the rest of the team on another outstanding season!
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