Local intermediates prove the best
Domination at intermediate level rugby in the Wellngton region now rests firmly with Upper Hutt schools.
Ferguson Intermediate won Wellington Rugby’s annual InterIntermediate tournament on Wednesday beating Maidstone 14-5 in an all-Upper Hutt final at Trentham Memorial Park.
Fergusson beat their long-time rivals to claim the 13-team competition and bring a trophy, long played as the Watermans’ Cup, to their school for the the first time in many years. The 15-a-side competition has a maximum 70 kilogram player weight.
Maidstone, who were title winners two years ago might have fancied their chances going into the afternoon final but they were outplayed and after Fergusson rattled on two opening tries, always chasing the game.
Maidstone had a better second half but only once were they able to unpick a well organised Fergusson defence.
Fergusson’s tries went to Sam Morgan and Keisar Vailalo with both converted by Keanu Kotuhi.
Vailalo, at inside-centre, was particularly impressive on attack and he was later awarded Player of the Final.
Fergusson’s day to remember followed wins in pool play over South Wellington and Tawaand a run-away semi-final over Titahi Bay . The red and blues scored 119 points and conceded only 17 in their march to the title.
Maidstone beat Newlands and Avalon but needed extra time to win their semi-final against Evans Bay.
Fergusson’s success capped off an outstanding and unbeaten season in inter-school rugby. The school also won the Wellington Inter-Intermediate rugby league tournamentwith eight of of the boys playing on Wednesday also part of that side.
The intermediate competition had a further Upper Hutt flavour with St Pat’s Silverstream students acting as refereesand doing a great job of keeping the games under control and freeflowing.
Captained by Keanu Kotuhi, the 19-strong Fergusson side also featured Logan Barling, Evin Toheriri, Mateaki Palu, Joshua Yates, Darren Taumata, Sam Morgan, Javan Rangiwhetu, Bailee Laurenson-Tupai, Ashley Newman, Keisar Vailalo, Hohepa Westen, Seyjay Harawira, Sifa Palu, Manueli Tanidrala, Liam Russell, Ihaia Gaudin, Fekelwap Tuuina and Dean Tupua-Bond.