Seven-try win against Petone in terrible conditions

MSP rattled on 35 second-half points against Petone on 14 July, securing a 55-5 win and fully making amends for a first-round loss to their old foes (see video highlights below).

The bonus-point win puts MSP second on the Jubilee Cup points table, one point behind leaders Ories.

While wild weather led to generally low scores around the region, the homeside turned in an enterprising performance against Petone at Evans Bay, scoring seven tries, with all converted by player-of-the day Fa'atonu Fili.

Early in the game, it looked as though MSP was too adventurous in not using the howling northerly at their backs, and it took a piece of individual brilliance by flanker Sio Tuia to get the try-scoring underway. With 20 minutes gone, he burst from a ruck and dashed 40 metres, stepping the fullback to score handy to the posts.

Two Fa'atonu penalties had MSP out in front 13-0 and then came possibly the game's decisive 10 minutes. Wave after wave of attacks by the Petone forwards were repulsed and it was MSP who had the final say in the half when No 8 Tevita Ah Wong capitalised on a botched Petone lineout to stroll 15 metres for a try to make the halftime score 20-0.

Sub John Gbenda-Charles was first on the board in the second half with a try, Petone hitting back with a good try of their own to make it 27-5. Twenty minutes into the half, the MSP forwards couldn't drive over the Petone line, so halfback Pete Sciascia took a quick tap from a penalty and scored a trademark try, the third time this season he's ducked through an opposition forward pack.

The bonus-point try secured, second five Isaia Petelo, No 8 sub Thomas Veitch and fullback Andrew Wells added to the tally as MSP ignored the mud, wind and rain and opened up their opposition with ease.

In the gathering gloom, the visiting Japanese referee, who had an excellent game, whistled an early finish to the match. 

 

MoST Content Management V3.0.8634