Wellington college brush past Rongotai College in Traditional

Trytime to Wellington College – the last of of 10 they scored in their fourth consecutive midweek Traditional win over Rongotai College. 

• By Steven White
• Photos by Andy McArthur

Wellington College beat Rongotai College 62-19 in their Premiership midweek Round 3 encounter for the Heron Scarf in fine, still conditions at Ma’a Nonu Stadium at Rongotai College this afternoon.

Wellington College won 10 tries to three, after leading 38-0 at halftime. The visitors had the match under control after going 17-0 up inside 15 minutes and then had their bonus point in the bag soon after the 25 minute mark.

Four of Wellington College’s six tries in the first half were started from penalties and lineouts inside the 22, while the other two were run in from long range by the backs. Hooker Noah Sipeli scored the game’s first two tries and centre Liam Phelps also scored two first half tries. Flankers Laifone Kamoto and Connor Gregor,, halfback Ben Willocks, tighthead prop Harry Baddington and left wing Tom Hughson were amongst players to all have productive first halves.

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Rongotai College were dealt a blow midway through the first half, losing captain and hooker Levi Aukuso to injury. Wellington College, who play St Pat’s Silverstream next Wednesday, would lose imperial prop Julius Toimata late in the match through injury as well.

Rongotai College won the haka and they won the opening 10 minutes of the second half when they scored their first two tries, with a player in the sinbin during this time, one of a handful of yellow cards presented to both teams by referee Newson. The first of these tries followed a turnover at the ruck by openside flanker Cameron Jacobson, a kick ahead inside the 22 by halfback LJ Curtis and a good follow-up by left wing Jonah Radravu latching on to a fumble.

Wellington College emptied their bench early in the second half, and they weren’t as dominant although Rongotai’s defence was committed all game and didn’t always make it easy for the visitors.

It was when Wellington College kept the ball alive and went wide to their outside backs that they had it all over Rongotai and there were a couple of periods in the first half that resembled a training run for them. This pattern resumed midway through the second half when they scored another four tries. They brought up their half century with a try to fullback Cooper Werkhoven who scored from a kick and chase in broken play.

Perhaps the biggest cheer of the game came a few minutes from fulltime when replacement Rongotai prop Kanah Pahulu barged over the line after some spirited play close to the line in front of a large band of supporters on the bank.

The scheduled 70 minute game went almost 90 minutes, the first half running to 45 minutes and the second to 43 – owing to several injury breaks.

Whilst Wellington College meets Silverstream in their next midweek traditional next Wednesday, Rongotai have 10 days to prepare for their next match which is against St Bernard’s College.

College First XV Draw

The draw for the remaining matches of the third round of the College Premiership is below.

• Rathkeale College v Hutt International Boys’ School, Rathkeale 12.00pm
• Mana College v Wairarapa College, Mana College, 1.00pm
• Scots College v St Pat’s Town, Scots 1, 2.30pm
• St Bernard’s College v St Pat’s Silverstream SBC 1, 2.30PM

Rongotai College – Wellington College History 

Wellington College and Rongotai College contest the Heron Scarf, a rivalry dating back to 1988. Wellington leads the series with 29 wins to Rongotai’s nine.

H.A. Heron, after whom the trophy is named, refers to Harold Alexander Heron (1902 to 1984). A former student of Wellington College, he served as principal of Rongotai College from 1946 to 1951 and then returned to Wellington College from 1951 to 1963.  It was said that when he walked into a packed assembly in the hall he had total command and you could hear a pin drop. He authored “The Centennial History of Wellington College, 1867-1967.”

Rongotai College first beat Wellington College in 1959 and enjoyed victories in 1960, 1963, 1966, and 1968 in their first decade of victories.

Wellington College – Rongotai College recent Traditional results:

• 2019: Rongotai College won 23-20
• 2020: Rongotai College won 27-20
• 2021: Wellington College won 34-0
• 2022: Rongotai College won 25-24
• 2023: Wellington College won 60-0
• 2024: Wellington College won 47-13
• 2025: Wellington College 74-3
• 2026 Wellington College 62-19