Three-peat for St Paul’s in Auckland Rugby League

Photo credit: Photosport

​St Paul's College have captured a third-straight SAS College Rugby League Premiership title, beating Kelston Boys' High School 16-4 in Wednesday night’s final.
 
A frantic opening left both sides scrambling with early errors but it was Kelston that struck first with a try out wide for a 4-0 lead.
 
Four minutes later and St Paul's were given full use of the ball inside the attacking 20.
 
St Paul’s went close to scoring twice, through second rower Christian Tuipulotu and centre Star Toa, before prop Sione Ngahe stormed through the pack carrying up to four players to score under the posts. Halfback Jaelin Murray kicked perfect off the boot to take a 6-4 lead over Kelston at halftime.
 
It took 10 minutes before points were scored in the second stanza. 

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Photo credit: Photosport

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St Paul's second rower Matthew Palu accelerated down only to be held up just short of the line. A quick play of the ball and shuffle to the left saw centre Timor Williams score in the corner extending their lead 10-4. Standoff Sione Moala converted to get up 12-4.
 
With just ten minutes remaining, Kelston gave away a penalty which ultimately cost them the match.
 
St Paul's hooker Lewis Sio kicked a chip up over the top putting the game beyond doubt when Timor Williams collected his second extending the lead to 16-4.
 
"We knew it was going to be a tough game," said Kelston captain Johnny Falelua-Malio.
 
"St Paul's were just the better team tonight. All we can do is learn from it [and] come back bigger, faster and stronger as we look forward to Nationals in a couple of weeks."
 
St Paul's captain Daetyn Tanuvasa said he was proud of the boys' efforts.
 
"The boys have worked really hard for this win tonight," he said.
 
"We needed to learn from our previous games against them [Kelston] and bring all of our teachings onto the field tonight."
 
"We're just really overwhelmed right now," he quipped. 

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Kelston Boys' High School 4 (Kenneth Fonoti x1 try) St Paul's College 16 (Sione Ngahe, Timor Williams x2 tries; Jaelin Murray, Sione Moala goals) HT: 4-6 at Mount Smart Stadium #2.
 
Wesley College 17 - Manurewa High School 16
 
Wesley College won their first ever piece of SAS College Rugby League silverware last night, edging past Manurewa High School in a golden point grand final 17-16.
 
Wesley College 17 (Apenisa Sailo, Mesa Saukuru, Larenz Tupaea tries; Tuhi Pompey, Larenz Tupaea goals; Larenz Tupaea x1 drop goal) Manurewa High School 16 (Faafili Faafili, Daylee Dutton, Tyrone Siua tries; Daylee Dutton x2 goals) HT: 12-0 at Mount Smart Stadium #2.
 
James Cook 8 Pakuranga College 18
 
It was another thrilling grand final performance for Pakuranga, winning the SAS College Rugby League Bowl title 18-8 over James Cook High School.
 
James Cook High School 8 (Jason Tokareta x2 tries) Pakuranga College 18 (Tupe Taefu, Andrew Mana x2 tries; Jacob Tuisalega x2 goals/ x1 penalty goal) HT:8-8 at Mt Smart Stadium #2.