Match Report: QEGS 8 - 31 Wellington College

By the time kick-off came around, QEGS had pulled together their biggest ever crowd for a national final, comprising both current and former boys, parents and staff – the west stand was packed with black and gold!

In the pouring rain Wellington College got the game underway. A couple of strong early carries from QEGS seemed to settle any potential big stage nerves but were eventually penalised for over playing deep in their own half as Wellington won an early penalty. Opting not to take the kickable penalty goal, they instead chose to kick to the corner. From the resulting line-out, the sizeable Wellington forwards stayed patient before powering over from short range to open the try scoring.

QEGS responded well though, eventually working their way up the field where they won a penalty in Wellington’s half. Opting to kick for goal, it was Will Hunter, shifted inside a position after usual fly-half and captain, Lance Barker was ruled out of the final with concussion, who was given the goal kicking duties. A great strike brought QEGS three points and a roar from the on-looking crowd. With only six minutes on the clock, the final was in full swing.

It looked like the scoreboard wasn’t going to be troubled again in the first half as the wet conditions began to play its part on both teams’ handling. However, minutes before the break, Wellington went over again. Having applied serious pressure to the QEGS line, their patience eventually paid off as they were able to work multiple phases before scoring through their towering second-row. 

In the second half, both sides landed a try each. Wellington’s came from some great play from their number 14 to dive in in the corner before QEGS responded to keep themselves in the tie. A penalty kick to the corner led to a lineout on the Wellington 5m line. A feature throughout the season, QEGS were once again able to set their driving maul and muscle themselves over through semi-final try scorer, Rufus Helm.