Rugby: Wellington ease past Bay of Plenty

Jackson Garden-Bachop of Wellington. Photo / Getty

Wellington continued their long-standing dominance over Bay of Plenty with a 24-10 win at a windswept Westpac Stadium tonight.

Wellington have dropped just five games to the Steamers since 1912 and never looked like losing ​after easing out to 17-3 lead after playing into the stiff northerly in the first half.

Bay of Plenty botched their first chance to drive over from an attacking lineout five metres out which set the tone for their error-prone night.

Wellington opened the scoring from their first attack with a try to prop Reg Goodes from a well-organised lineout drive.

Goodes was involved again in the next attacking play which led to a fine try to fullback Peter Umaga-Jensen after a smart kick-pass from Jackson Garden-Bachop.

The Steamers got on the board through a Luke Campbell penalty, after more good work from impressive No 8 Joe Tupe, but the home side were in again from the kick-off through winger Wes Goosen after a clean break by Garden-Bachop.

Leading 17-3 Wellington looked well in control, helped by Bay of Plenty's turnovers and poor lineout.

The Steamers finally crossed the try-line through winger Monty Ioane after 35 minutes but he was held up by a fine tackle from Goosen.

Wellington started the second spell with a second converted try to Goodes after nine phases to lead 24-3.

Bay of Plenty fought back through a try to midfielder Terrence Hepetema from a clever kick from Dan Hollinshead, who converted to close the gap to 24-10.

Bay of Plenty changed their front row, with Aidan Ross impressing, which lifted their intensity as they competed well in the last 20 minutes as the weather conditions deteriorated.

Wellington had to defend for long periods in the second half but Bay of Plenty could not convert their improved performance into points.

Wellington 24 (Reg Goodes 2, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Wes Goosen
tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con)
Bay of Plenty 10 (Terrence Hepetema try; Dan Hollinshead con; Luke Campbell pen)
HT: 17-3​