18 October 2020
With only six points separating the two at half time it was an evenly matched spectacle for most of the first half. However, it was the Vipers that came out of the sheds firing earning themselves an 18-point lead. The Orcas proved difficult to put away as a late surge saw Wellington score back to back tries bringing the deficit back to six. It was the Vipers early dominance that proved the difference as the Orcas’ comeback fell short.
Mid Central Vipers (30)
Try scores: Joshua Fifita, Joshua Kerr, Shae Gray, Sebastian Lomax-Jackson, Sione Sifa
Conversions: Jahlon Governor (6)
Wellington Orcas (24)
Try scorers: Bardley Moafanua, Wyatt So’Otaga, Pelei Moimoi, Bronson Marino.
Conversions: Bronson Marino (4)
The Stallions came out the gate flying putting rapid tries on the board scoring 18 unanswered points in the first forty. The second half however was a complete contrast as it was the Swords who came out firing to mount an unexpected comeback. Kyle Hoole, Tevita Henare-Schuster and Eroni Biutoko showing blistering pace to get back into the game, Levita Levita on form with the boot as he slotted all three conversions to level it up 18-18. Late drama occurred as the Swords were given a penalty close to the line and Levita slotted it over to make it 20-18, but a mistake off the next set saw the Stallions gain valuable field position and James Leavai was able to seal the match for Upper Central.
Upper Central Stallions (22)
Try scores: Te Hanairo Te Tawhero, Joshua Tupou, James Leavai, Dylan Clark
Conversions: Jayden Andrade Kingi
Northern Swords (20)
Try scorers: Eroni Biukotot, Kyle Hool, Tavita Henare-Schuster
Conversions: Levita Levita
Penalty goal: Levita Levita
It was a game of two halves as the Swords dominated early heading into the sheds with the advantage. Yet a second half burst by the hungry Vipers team had the game gridlocked 16 all. It was the Swords that ran away with it scoring two quick tries in the last five minutes and earning themselves their first win of the day.
Northern Swords (26)
Try scores: Eroni Biukoto, Matthew Kahle (2), Michael Salase, Wiremu Te Iringa
Conversions: Levita Levita (3)
Mid Central Vipers (16)
Try scores: Nusipepa Moefili, Joshua Kerr, Joshua Fifita
Conversions: Jahlon Governor (2)
It was an even contest in the first forty but advantage was with the Orcas as they went into the break with a six point lead. The Stallions, who were yet to suffer a loss, mounted their second half comeback scoring first but the Orcas hung on. 14 a piece with five minutes to go it was anyone’s game but it was the Orcas who found their last gear scoring two quick tries and deservedly earning their first win of the Championship, upsetting the top of the table Stallions.
Wellington Orcas (30)
Try scores: Feofaaki Tuangalu, Wyatt So’Otaga (2), Feofaaki Tuangalu, Dallas Mcewa
Conversions: Bronson Marino (2)
Upper Central Stallions (14)
Try scorers: Tupara Tupara, Tautua Taotofi, Anthony Tuoi Kiff
Conversions: Johnson Peri
