In this chilly early morning fixture, Counties were the favourites and had the early running, Joe Herewini stepping through and scoring the opener. Counties number 9, Chairman Ngari looked the most dangerous player on attack but Wellington held out defensively although there were a few close calls.
Wellington's efforts on defence were rewarded when they scored on their next offensive possession. Joseph Birch powered through a hole in the defence following a slip from a Counties defender. Both sides were guilty of wasted opportunities as halftime struck. Halftime score was 1-1.
Counties began the second half as they began the first, Ngari stepping and diving to put his side back ahead. Wellington looked to be on the back foot after this setback but showed great character to bounce back through a second Birch touchdown.
The game took another twist as Wellington scored again with only minutes remaining to take the lead for the first time in the match. Jason Wairoa-Harrison made a touchdown in the corner following a period of gameplay in which Counties had monopolised territory and possession but failed to break through.
The final few minutes of the match were the most exciting as Counties piled on the pressure and scored two late touchdowns to steal the match from a brave Wellington side. Charlie Brothers and Peter Hassell scoring the touchdowns. Final score: 4-3 to Counties who will play off for a place in the final against Auckland.
Last Modified on 28/02/2012 08:53