The OBU premier Goats picked up a bonus point win against Upper Hutt at Nairnville.
A solid first half saw the goats run in five converted tries and leading 35 to 12. Upper Hutt had the better of the 3rd quarter with OBU struggling for territory and attempting to break out from their own half to little prevail. Upper Hutt managed to get right back into striking position down 40 to 31 with 12 minutes to play. Two final tries by the Goats saw them ease away to a final score of 52 to 31.
Tai Neli continued to impress and looked dangerous every time he had the ball in hand and left a few Rams defenders completed perplexed to where he was going next. Sam Coventry had another strong game including two tries, while Will Tremain made some nice contributions off the bench after playing 20 minutes for the Hurricane Development team the night before.
OBU Scorers
Tries: Wirangi Parata, Patterson Carter, Maile Koloto, Sam Coventry 2, Tomasi Palu, Tai Neli, Sam Reid
Conversions: Dale Dabbagh 6
In the earlier game the Premier Reserves scored an 85 to 5 victory, posting the highest score of the day in Wellington Club rugby. Jack Green was the leading try scorer with five.
The first grade opened their season with a 54 to 5 victory over Tawa, while the U85 Bunnies when down in the first round of their season opening tournament losing to Avalon 0 to 39.
Hutt Old Boys Marist continue to lead the Swindale Shield posting their fourth bonus point victory with a 69 to to 15 away victory over Wellington. The OBU goats find themselves in logjam sharing second palce with Petone and MSP, four competition points back.
The Premiers and Reserves are home again next week and will be hosting Oriental Rongotai.