News

Wellington cruise in capital

Saturday 30th August 2008

One of three: Hosea Gear fends Lance McDonald

Wellington made it five successive Air New Zealand Cup wins this season as they steamrolled title rivals Bay of Plenty 48-12 at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

In an entertaining contest played under perfect weather conditions and in front of a bumper crowd of 15,000 plus, the Lions claimed yet another bonus point which opens up a handy cushion at the summit.

Wellington welcomed back one of their All Black stars for the game and, within six minutes, Piri Weepu had announced his arrival with a long-range penalty goal to open the account.

But for the following twenty both sides were seemingly feeling each other out before a moment of slick handling led to an appetising gap opening for full-back Cory Jane to exploit. And that he did as the scores were stretched to 8-0 due to their skipper's missed extras.

Competition rivals the Steamers showed their strength on the half-hour with Sevens expert Zar Lawrence getting the visitors on the board following a short period of pressure, duly closing the gap to just three at the Westpac.

However, then came the first of an enjoyable afternoon's work for wing Hosea Gear as he finished a well-worked move wide out before half-time to send the Lions in 15-5 up.

Upon their return, a period of solid defence from the hosts subsequently brought about welcome counter ball for Gear and company that was exploited to the maximum as the scores began to flood in. Once again it came through comfortable handling across the line as Gear grabbed his second on 49 minutes.

And the prolific finisher didn't have to wait long to claim number three as turnover ball once again proved deadly thanks to an earlier run from the competition's impressive Thomas Waldrom.

With the contest seemingly over, more duly followed for Wellington as Tamati Ellison's break led to centre Tane Tu'ipulotu's breathtaking try adding to the rout with things clicking nicely.

Blindside flank Victor Vito then showed his power as he grabbed a brace before a consolation score from sniping scrum-half Jamie Nutbrown hardly brought much pleasure to the visitors.

The scorers:

For Wellington:
Tries: Gear 3, Vito 2, Tu'ipulotu, Jane
Cons: Weepu 5
Pens: Weepu

For Bay of Plenty:
Tries: Lawrence, Nutbrown
Cons: Delaney

Wellington: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Piri Weepu (c), 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Thomas Waldrom, 7 Serge Lilo, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Api Naikatini, 4 Ross Filipo, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Ged Robinson, 1 John Schwalger.
Replacements: 16 Eugene Smith, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Scott Fuglistaller, 19 Chris Masoe, 20 Kaipati Gaualofa, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Buxton Popoalii.

Bay of Plenty: 15 Zar Lawrence, 14 Lance MacDonald, 13 Cory Aporo, 12 Nigel Hunt, 11 Toby Arnold, 10 Mike Delany, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer (c), 6 Solomon King, 5 John Moore, 4 Culum Retallick, 3 James McGougan, 2 John Pareanga, 1 Joe Savage.
Replacements: 16 Dean Elmiger, 17 Arden David-Perrot, 18 Luke Braid, 19 Josh Hall, 20 Kelly Haimona, 21 Teu Nafe, 22 AN Other.

Referee: Vinny Munro
Television match official: Garratt Williamson