Scots College – Learning. For Life.

A week can be a long time in sport and many things can happen. Throw in a trip to Hastings and a narrow loss to traditional rivals Lindisfarne 18 -21 and it seems an age since we were in Upper Hutt and dealing with a loss.

Wellington College made a historic appearance at Scots College, records have shown that the respective 1st XV's have only met twice in both colleges history. 1964 and 1972 and these were both pre-season encounters. With fairy cakes at the aftermatch in '72. Could the scones be the new fairy cakes I wonder.

It was with excitement that we were able to welcome such a traditional rugby school which has continually set the benchmark not only in Wellington but NZ secondary schools rugby in recent years. Winning all but 2 Wellington Premier Trophy titles in the new millennium - St Bernards 2001 and Rongotai 2003 were the only schools to prevent the decade sweep and recent history shows they have made several NZ Top 4 appearances in this time. The boys were excited because they were their 'Everest' or 'the 4 minute mile' someone had to beat them and if they did, it may as well be us.

From the opening whistle it was obvious the Scots team had come to play with a 2nd minute converted try try to Jackson Garden-Bachop. Possession from our kick off receipts was a key to the next try 5min later as the team charged up field and prop Nick Wellwood was in support to score. Jackson once again slotted a kick from wide out. Wellington College upped the anti and scored a try in the 19th minute but Scots were back into their work from the kick off and were over again when fullback Graeme Peter dived over for a deserved try.

 Scots 'dogged' determination was evident with their gang tackles which slowed down the Wellington College 'quick ball' which they so effectively operate from. They had to send more bodies to the contact to ensure they won it and couldn't operate with support players out wide. Wellington College however had the final say of the half when the scored another signature try from a lineout.

Halftime: Scots 19 Wellington 10

The halftime break was one of confidence and calmness - they knew exactly what needed to be done. Those things were territory, chase and tackle all of our game fundamentals were strong. An effective set piece and good accurate protocols at the contact with good body weight over the ball. The half was from end to end and Scots had 2 chances to add to their total from long range penalties but missed those opportunities. While some of the play was scary at least they were creating stuff. They couldn't afford to go into their shells. This was evidence they were on their game. Among the haka that was done by the College Community and the bagpipes that were a constant noise Scots College were on their way to having their day. Wellington College were desperate in the last 5mins as the real possibility of a huge upset was unfolding. Scots did not yield and only on the fulltime whistle did they allow Wellington College to breach their tight second half defence. Defence wins games - if you can prevent the opposition from scoring more points than you - that is the ball game. Throw in the Mick Williment trophy (Like the Ranfurly Shield) and she was a good day and a good night.

There were top performances right across the park and to single out an individual would be unfair. However I am going to make mention of the Captain, Hunter Prescott, who has grown as a leader and a person over recent weeks. Rugby is a game that has core values, it makes people who they are and all for the better, Hunter is starting to embrace these values. Young people of this age need to be shown the way and supported positively if they are to make a contribution now and the future. In such a short space of time Hunter has found the way and is starting to pass it on to others. A performance like yesterday has the ability to change lives.

Of course none of this is really possible without the support of our community. This was for you and in recognition of the contribution you are making to the season.

Mention must also be made of the way in which Wellington College conducted themselves in defeat. They showed a professionalism of which they should be proud.

Points Scorers:

J.Garden-Bachop, Nick Wellwood, Graeme Peter Tries

J.Garden-Bachop Con (2)

MVP:

3.J.Tyler

2.A.Whiteman

1.C.Umaga

Dave Meaclem