A fast start and determined defending saw Sancta Maria College defeat Rutherford High School 24-12 to claim the 1C rugby title.
Two unconverted tries in the first 15 minutes saw the College take a 10-0 lead. The boys were then pinned back in their own half, only terrific defence and accurate tackling keeping their try line intact.
The game swung Sancta Maria’s way again 5 minutes from half time when Cameron Smith surged through a crowd of players well inside his own half, racing away to score a real captain’s try. This was followed by the backs creating a run away try of their own. With both tries converted Sancta Maria headed off at half time with a comfortable 24-0 lead.
The second half was played mostly in the Sancta Maria half with Rutherford pressing strongly to find a way back into the game. Resolute tackling kept the opposition at bay as the College defence held firm until 15 minutes from time when their line was finally breached. The conversion was kicked and Rutherford, still 17 points adrift, sensed a win was possible.
With seven minutes remaining Rutherford scored again to close the gap to 12 points. However, after spending so long in their own half Sancta Maria College gained control of territory and possession for the last few minutes and one final kick into touch saw the whistle blow to end a fiercely contested game, Sancta Maria College running out worthy winners and 1C champions for 2017.
