A five-star defensive performance underscored a five-try victory for Wellington as they marched to a 31-9 win over Northland in an NPC first division rugby match in Whangarei this afternoon.
Led by flankers Scott Waldrom and Luke Andrews, Wellington stood firm in the face of some relentlessNorthland attacks in the first half to take a 7-6 lead at the break.
They then romped home by scoring four tries in the second spell, three of those from turnovers inside their own 22.
It was a character-building performance from Wellington, a big winning margin in a game that was far from their best performance, but still good enough to secure a handsome bonus-point victory.
It left Northland with nine losses from nine games this year and facing a difficult three-week stand down before they meet the second division winners in the promotion-relegation match on November 1.
Northland started well, dominating the play to take a 6-0 lead following penalties to James Arlidge.
But Wellington hit back with a converted try to winger Roy Kinikinilau just before the break, then extended the margin when fullback Christian Cullen went over just after the restart.
Northland were still in the hunt, though, with Glenn Taylor playing an inspirational game in his farewell performance in Whangarei, and flanker Luke Ottley and No 8 Mose Tuiali'i also going well.
Despite camping for long periods on attack Northland could not penetrate Wellington's solid defence, then coughed up the ball for three runaway tries.
Scott Waldrom got the first, prop Neemia Tialata the next after a sweeping attack that went 70m, then Sireli Bobo finished off a 85m kick and chase break out to score.
Northland finished the game huddled under their own goalposts watching the conversion attempt, a position they spent much of the season in.
Wellington 31 (Christian Cullen, Roy Kinikinilau, Sireli Bobo, Scott Waldrom, Neemia Tialata tries; Riki Flutey 3 con)
