Fine late afternoon conditions at Jerry Collins Stadium on Wednesday 10 June set the scene for a quality finish to the Tranzit Coachlines U15 Girls Rugby season, and it was St Mary’s College who made the most of it, claiming both titles on the day.

In the Poua Division 1 Meyers-Hurley Cup, St Mary’s College Black completed back-to-back titles, holding off Sacred Heart College Lions 29–19 in a composed finals performance. That result reversed their earlier pool play meeting, where Sacred Heart had taken the win 26–22.

Riley Tufui proved the difference on the day, running in four tries in a standout performance, supported by a try to Indria Lafaele and two conversions from Jokaveti Soro.

The win confirmed St Mary’s Black as overall champions via the double round robin points table, finishing on 27 points, narrowly ahead of Sacred Heart on 25. Wellington East Girls’ College and Aotea College rounded out the standings, with Wellington East also picking up a 39–34 win over Aotea earlier in the week.

The Meyers-Hurley Cup is named in recognition of Tony Meyers and Mark Hurley for their long-standing contribution to secondary school rugby in Wellington, as well as their connection to St Mary’s College, adding a fitting touch to the result.

In the Pride Division 2 final, it was another tight contest, with St Mary’s College White edging Wellington Girls’ College Manawa Tahi 38–34.

There was recent history between the sides, with Manawa Tahi having beaten St Mary’s 45–38 the week prior. It looked as though that form might carry through, but St Mary’s finished stronger, crossing for the final try of the match to seal it late.

St Mary’s spread their scoring across the park, with doubles to Ariel Williams and Jordin Avaiinaea, while Joy Sio and Val Tiumalu-Petaia also got on the board. Iyla Sydney added four valuable conversions.

Manawa Tahi, a combined side drawing players from Wellington Girls’ College, Scots College, Samuel Marsden and Newlands College, pushed right to the end, led by a hat-trick to Camille Cooper and a strong all-round effort from Eden Fagalilo.

In the 3rd / 4th play off, Mana College finished strongly with a 60–12 win over the HVHS/Naenae combination, with Gia Bishop particularly impressive from the back, scoring multiple long-range tries.

With all teams brought together under one roof, finals day was a great showcase of U15 girls rugby in the region, highlighting both the growth of the game and the talent coming through. Fast-paced and competitive, it was a strong finish to the season and a good lead-in to the Under 18 grade starting next Wednesday 17 June.

Photo Courtesy of Photo Wellington