Holwell has big say against ex-mates

By WYNNE GRAY

Wellington 37 Northland 16

A piece of magic from former Northlander David Holwell trumped his old comrades last night as Wellington continued their ragged run towards defending their first division crown.

Renowned for his courage in defence, Holwell climbed high into midfield traffic to claim an attacking up and under and found the predatory Christian Cullen, who worked Filo Tiatia in for the try that broke the second-half deadlock.

That touchdown was especially damaging because Wellington were a man down with Rodney So'oialo sinbinned for a professional foul in this seventh-round clash at Whangarei.Building on that crucial score, Wellington skipper Tana Umaga beat three defenders in a strong, balanced solo run to push his side near the bonus point zone in the last quarter.

Umaga created one opportunity, but hooker Shane Carter stumbled in support and that chance was lost.

Several others went awry until, almost tantalisingly, Wellington waited until the final move of the match to take maximum points. With a magnificent flourish involving most of the team, winger Lome Fa'atau scored to complete an enterprising match.

Northland's intentions were apparent. They felt they could attack the Wellington pack in the setpieces and driving play so they could open up some space for their Fijian speedsters on the wing.

With backline generals James Arlidge and Hayden Taylor in strong form, Northland concocted a potent mix of early running and kicking to trouble the visitors. They made much of the play before they fell to the enterprise and high pace Wellington brought to the later stages of the game.

One early Northland driving rumble was halted illegally and Arlidge goaled the penalty. Flanker Allen Tubbs then intercepted some sloppy Wellington defensive work and sprinted 50m for a converted try.

That deficit ignited Wellington, who would have scored had Tubbs not committed a professional foul as he scrambled back to make several tackles in the same movement before getting offside.

It looked as though Northland were going to defend their tryline even with Tubbs in the bin, until the Wellington loose forwards found a little space wide of a ruck and worked Jerry Collins over the line.

There was almost an action replay as Wellington committed another atrocious piece of defence. Tubbs intercepted again and only some illegal work stopped Northland scoring. The culprit, So'oialo, went to the bin as Arlidge goaled to level the scores early in the second half. But Wellington had a little extra quality to complete their raids and stay in the chase for the playoffs.

Wellington 37 (J. Collins, F. Tiatia, T. Umaga, Fa'atau, tries; D. Holwell, 4 con, 3 pen) Northland 16 (A Tubbs try; J Arlidge con, 3 pen). Ht: 13-10.