Mitre10 Highlights: Counties Manukau v Wellington (Round 4)

In a pulsating encounter, Wellington edged Counties Manukau 28-27 in week 4 of the Mitre 10 Cup. It was an extra special occasion with the sides contesting the inaugural Jonah Lomu Memorial Trophy. Despite Wellington dominating both territory and possession in the first half, it was Counties who ran in two tries to one to take a 17-11 lead into the break. Wellington missed two early shots at goal in the second half as Counties extended their lead to 20-11. Wellington bounced back with a converted try to get themselves right back into the match, but Counties responded with a try of their own to lead 27-18 entering the final quarter. Wellington crossed for their third try to pull within two points, but Counties held on until the final moments of the match. Pinned deep with a scrum on their own 5m line, Wellington had no choice but to run it and after numerous phases worked themselves up to halfway where Counties infringed setting up a 49m kick for the win. Garden-Bachop, who had kicked shakily throughout the match, stepped up and nailed the winner securing the Jonah Lomu Memorial Trophy for Wellington.