Peter Watt – Brian Dunne Challenge Cup: Won 20-12

On Tuesday the 1st XV played St Peters’s College from Auckland in the third of our traditional fixtures. Last year when the team travelled to Auckland, the 1st XV suffered a 38-19 loss to this team.

Given that St Peter’s are unbeaten in the Auckland 1A competition after four rounds and lead the points table, our boys knew the challenge was going to be formidable. They were however, looking forward to measuring themselves against what is arguably one of the best teams in the country.

St Peter’s started strongly but our team defended well. The opposition eventually scored a try in the corner to give them a half time lead of 7 nil.

An early try to Cameron Rawlings set the tone for the second half. As the game progressed our team began to dictate play, dominating both possession and territory. This resulted in two penalties to Ben Trillo and a try to Tanner Stowers-Smith who had another barnstorming match.

The final score was 20 –12 to St Bede’s (half time: 7-0 to St Peter’s)

The team was delighted to regain possession of the Peter Watt – Brian Dunne Challenge Cup that is the prize for this traditional fixture.

Tries: Cameron Rawlings, Tanner Stowers-Smith. Conversions: Ben Trillo 2. Penalties: Ben Trillo 2

The Teams MVP ranking system for this game is as follows: In third place was inspirational Captain Ben O’Donovan. Second was indefatigable lock Josh Borcoskie and in first place was Tanner Stowers-Smith who gave us the “go forward” that was crucial to the team’s success.

The Origin Awards were as follows. Sars Flood understandably awarded his to Tanner Stowers-Smith, Mr Davidson awarded his to Ben Trillo for his 4 out or 4 goal kicking performance and Mr Litten awarded his to Flynn Bainbridge for his being strong in both defence and attack.

The team plays Selwyn Combined this weekend in a 2.45pm home game.