For an independent observer, it was a superb game of club rugby, with the result in doubt until the final whistle. For Hutt Old Boys Marist supporters, it was a heart-stopper, as the Eagles battered an unyielding Ories wall of defence over the last twenty minutes of the match. Like the Premier Two side against Rimutaka, maybe in hindsight, it would've been better to have taken a penalty shot at goal near the end of the match, and secured another twenty minutes, rather than kick for the corner, but our forwards had shown they could get through. Taniela Raikabula close to half-time, (pictured below), and Polonga Pedro, early in the second half.

But the black and white defence held when the pressure was applied, and Oriental-Rongotai hung on grimly to a lead of just three points, taking the match 18-15. Congratulations Ories, who now go through to meet Northern United, Norths thrashing Poneke at home, 29-3, in the other semi-final.

One wondered where all the supporters were, on arriving back to a near empty clubhouse. So what there was a test match in town, are Eagles supporters only fair weather friends? Nick, Simon, Taniela, Leka, Tupeni, Luka, Alexis etc etc.....you guys worked darned hard for eighty minutes, and almost made it, you deserved a better reception back in our home kennel.

Of the few who were in the clubhouse, good to see former club captain, Graeme Coley, (did someone slip him a free ticket to the 'Boks?), and also Matt Time, looking hale and hearty.

Your webmaster received a photo from Phil Gibb during the week, possibly unique in our provincial rugby history. The Wellington and Canterbury skippers, present and past Hutt Old Boys Marist. Top drawer.

In other results from Saturday July 30th, the Senior Seconds rolled on in their merry winning way, making the Petone Rugby Football Club's season even more miserable by whacking them 15-nil. The Colts went down to Ories at the Hutt Rec, 3-12, and the Under 19s journeyed to Helston Park to just come in second to Johnsonville, 13-15. The Robots travelled to Eastbourne to receive a 3-32 scoreline for their troubles, while the Presidents also went seaside, at Ngatitoa, but this time the score was in our favour, the Presidents prevailed over Paremata-Plimmerton, 19-12.

Some photos from the Jubilee Cup semi-final have been posted at The Club Weekly, and the link to that may be found  here;

http://www.clubrugby.co.nz/wellington/gallery/?Qwd=./2011%20Jubilee%20Cup/Semi-final%20Ories%20v%20HOBM&Qiv=thumbs&Qis=M

And here's how The Club Weekly saw the action in Jubilee Cup semis.

http://www.clubrugby.co.nz/wellington/story.php?id=425