 The 2016 New Zealand Schools and Barbarians Schools teams have been named today by former All Black and New Zealand Barbarians President, Ron Williams, and New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby Union Chairman, Garry Chronican.
The series, to be played in Auckland, involves matches against Fiji Schools and Australia Schools. New Zealand Schools team: Damon Abraham Sacred Heart College Prop Caleb Clarke Mt Albert Grammar School Wing Robb Cobb Mt Albert Grammar School Prop Mosese Dawai Feilding High School Wing Tim Farrell Napier Boys' High School Prop Sione Havili Auckland Grammar School Loose Forward Tim Hogan Otago Boys' High School Halfback Brayden Iose Palmerston North Boys' High School No.8 Vilimoni Koroi Feilding High School Wing Ciarahn Matoe King's College First Five Laghlan McWhannell St Peter's School Lock Ajay Mua King's College No.8 Xavier Numia St Patrick's College Wellington Prop Harry Plummer St Peter's College First Five Carlos Price St Kentigern College Halfback Billy Proctor St Patrick's College Wellington Centre Ngane Punivai Christ’s College Fullback Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa Mt Albert Grammar School Lock Paul Roache Mt Albert Grammar School Second Five Bradley Slater New Plymouth Boys' High School Hooker Hoskins Sotutu Sacred Heart College Loose Forward Flynn Thomas Southland Boys' High School Hooker Naera Tipoki Gisborne Boys' High School Loose Forward There are a number of returning players from the 2015 New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Barbarians Schools teams. These include Tim Farrell, Braydon Iose, Tim Hogan, Caleb Clarke, Flynn Thomas, Xavier Numia, AJ Mua, Ciarahn Matoe. New Zealand Schools Coach Jason Holland said that there was a good mix of players who can control the game and athletes who play an exciting brand of rugby. "I'm really excited about the skill level that's been shown by these players at the Development Camp. It's my first year coaching the New Zealand Schools team, so I'm looking forward to helping these players develop and be successful in the International Schools Series." New Zealand Barbarians Schools team: Naitoa Ah Kuoi Wellington College Lock Suetena Asomua Wesley College Prop Kaylum Boshier New Plymouth Boys' High School No.8 Sam Dickson Otago Boys High School Loose Forward Leicester Faingaanuku Nelson College Wing Folau Fakatava Hastings Boys High School Halfback Connor Garden-Bachop Scots College Wing Scott Gregory Whangarei Boys High School Second Five Ricky Jackson Otago Boys' High School Hooker Joe Johnston King's College Loose Forward Perry Karati Burnside High School Hooker Kianu Kereru-Symes Hastings Boys' High School Prop Niven Longopoa Mt Albert Grammar School Fullback Tevita Mafileo St Kentigern College Prop Sam Matenga Gisborne Boys' High School Prop Lincoln McClutchie Hastings Boys' High School First Five Matene Ruawai Palmerston North Boys High School Loose Forward Cameron Suafoa St Peter's College Lock Tanielu Bakulich-Tele'a St Kentigern College Second Five Danny Toala Hastings Boys' High School Fullback Kaleb Trask Rotorua Boys' High School First Five Quinn Tupaea Hamilton Boys' High School Second Five Tupou Vaai Wesley College Lock New Zealand Barbarians Head Coach Ryan Martin said; “We’ve got a core group from Top 4 College XV National tournament finalists, Hastings Boys' High School as well as a good spread of talent from around the country which underlines the depth in the school’s game. We’re aiming to play with lots of width and the traditional ‘Barbarian’ flair so I think we're in for an exciting couple of matches." Note: Unavailable for selection due to injury were Liam Bauckham (Hastings Boys High School) and Will Tremain (Napier Boys High School). New Zealand Schools and Barbarian Schools fixtures: Monday 3 October NZ Barbarians Schools v Australia Schools Venue: Mount Albert Grammar School Time: 1.10pm NZ Schools v Fiji Schools Venue: Mount Albert Grammar School Time: 2.50pm Saturday 8 October NZ Barbarians Schools v Fiji Schools Venue: Auckland Grammar School Time: 1.10pm NZ Schools v Australia Schools Venue: Auckland Grammar School Time: 2.50pm SKY TV Schedule: The matches on 8 October will be broadcast on the Rugby Channel on SKY TV.  “I thought that was me. It was scary stuff,” Tim Farrell recalls of his health struggles in July. The deputy head prefect and First XV prop at Napier Boys’ High School was “rundown,” “sick” and captured glandular fever.
“I was in hospital for three days and had to spend two hours on a drip each day. I had a swollen throat so I couldn’t eat solids,” Farrell laments. In the two and a half weeks Farrell spent off school things got even worse. “I had an abnormally enlarged liver. I could hardly move and had to take antibiotics. I was told if I played rugby again I could have ruptured my spleen or done something worse. I was devastated. It was the worst month of my life.” Remarkably Farrell has made a full recovery and was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ training squad to prepare for two internationals against Fiji and Australia in October. “It was a massive surprise to be picked. I can’t wait to have the ball in my hands again. I don’t know a lot about the competition, but there are going to be some big, fit boys at the camp,” Farrell enthuses. Between 2009 and 2012, Napier made the National Top Four three times in four years. Success has been much harder to come by since, but Farrell says he has no regrets in 2015. “I made the First XV in Year 11 and that was a tough season. We didn’t play very well and I spent a lot of time on the bench. I felt I had a point to prove last year and I did that, but again the results weren’t great. This year we were up and down, but the brotherhood was strong and we came through some adversity.” At the start of the season long-time coach Del Whyte was diagnosed with cancer and had to step aside. “That was a big blow for the team. Thankfully Del has recovered. He is growing back his moustache and is back up to his usual antics,” Farrell laughs. The Super 8 match against Rotorua Boys’ High School was no laughing matter. Rotorua travelled to the Hawke’s Bay as the defending National Champions and Napier had a major setback before the game. “One of our prefect’s father died from cancer that week. It was a real shock around the school and we wanted to prove something. We got in their faces early on and they had a player sent off for punching. We won 24-23 which was pretty special,” Farrell says. The ability to “get in people’s faces,” is something that has earned Farrell selection to the Hurricanes U18’s twice. He was rarely bettered in the scrums in three years at Napier Boys.’ “I have always been a prop. I never had much pace. I love the confrontational side of the game. It’s a great challenge.” Head Prefect and Farrell’s “best mate” Will Tremain was also selected for the camp. Tim’s father John Farrell, a local sales rep, played for Hawke’s Bay during his rugby career. In the summer Farrell enjoys surf lifesaving. In 2017 he is uncertain what his rugby future holds, but would like to study at University.  South Otago High School presently boasts five players in the Otago Mitre 10 Cup squad: Paul Grant, Tony Ensor, Matt Faddes, Lee Allan and Gavin Stark. Additionally Ensor won a senior club championship with Kaikorai and Faddes was the top try scorer for the Highlanders in 2016.
Josh Hill is the latest South Otago product to make a name for himself nationally. The 1.95m lock has been selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools training squad that will head into camp on Saturday to prepare for test matches against Fiji and Australia. "I was helping a mate move house when I got a phone call saying I had been selected. I was surprised and thrilled. South Otago is only a small school, but a lot of hard work goes in and those guys in the NPC have made the most of theiropportunities," Hill says. Hill made his debut for the First XV in Year 11 against James Hargest High School. Despite a "nervous" display, South Otago won the game and Hill established himself as a regular starter. Last year was a watershed season for South Otago. They won 15 out of 18 games and made it to the final of the Southern Wide Real Estate First XV Competition. Second-Five Matt Whaanga scored 307 points, including 60 points (10 tries) in a single game against James Hargest High School. Whaanga was selected for the equivalent New Zealand squad. "We had a lot of experienced boys last year. It helped with the decision making under pressure," Hill recalls. Despite a high turnover of players in 2016, South Otago fielded a competitive side that was fifth in the Southern Wide competition. Late season injuries, including a fractured rib for Hill, derailed South Otago's semi-final prospects. "It was a bit frustrating, but injuries are a part of the game. We kept our heads up high and bounced back to win a couple of games," Hill says. Hill believes standard of the Southern Wide competition has increased and champions John McGlashan defeating Otago Boys' High School is proof. "John McGlashan always puts out a good side and I think it was great when they beat Otago Boys.' It shows our competition is competitive." South Otago reached the South Island co-ed final and was tipped over 14-20 by Burnside High School. South Otago was denied a try with the last play of the game. "It was a really good game played in great spirit. Everybody emptied the tank and that's all you can ask for," Hill says. Hill is noted for his tireless toil and athleticism. He also covers No.8 Hill's father Alan was an outside back who played for the South Island Maori and Otago B. Josh is Deputy Head Boy and a Maori Mentor Leader who has gained his NCEA Level 1 and 2 Certificates with a Merit Endorsement. In the summer he competes in athletics and as a junior qualified for the Nationals in shot put and discus. In 2017, Josh intends to head to the University of Otago and study a Bachelor of Commerce.
6/9/2016
NZ Schools Squad Named Players from 25 secondary schools have been selected for a three-day development camp at AUT Millennium in Auckland on 24 September.
Following this camp selectors will name the 2016 New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Schools Barbarians sides to play Australia and Fiji Schools next month. The players attending the development camp are: PROP Sam Matenga Gisborne Boys High School Kianu Kereru-Symes Hastings Boys High School Robb Cobb Mt Albert Grammar School Michael Palmer Mt Albert Grammar School Tim Farrell Napier Boys High School Damon Abraham Sacred Heart College Tevita Mafileo St Kentigern College Xavier Numia St Patrick's College Wellington Suetena Asomua Wesley College Hooker Perry Karati Burnside High School Bradley Slater New Plymouth Boys High School Ricky Jackson Otago Boys High School Flynn Thomas Southland Boys High School Lock Liam Bauckman Hastings Boys High School Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa Mt Albert Grammar School Cameron Suafoa St Peter's College Laghlan McWhannell St Peter's School Naitoa Ah Kuoi Wellington College Tupou Vaai Wesley College Joshua Hill South Otago High School Loose Forward Sione Havili Auckland Grammar School Naera Tipoki Gisborne Boys High School Joe Johnston King's College Will Tremain Napier Boys High School Sam Dickson Otago Boys High School Matene Ruawai Palmerston North Boys High School Hoskins Sotutu Sacred Heart College No.8 Ajay Mua King's College Kaylum Boshier New Plymouth Boys High School Brayden Iose Palmerston North Boys High School Halfback Folou Fakatava Hastings Boys High School Tim Hogan Otago Boys High School Te Ra Whata Rotorua Boys High School Carlos Price St Kentigern College First Five Lincoln McClutchie Hastings Boys High School Ciarahn Matoe King's College Kaleb Trask Rotorua Boys High School Harry Plummer St Peter's College Second Five Quinn Tupaea Hamilton Boys High School Paul Roache Mt Albert Grammar School Tanielu Bakulich-Tele'a St Kentigern College Scott Gregory Whangarei Boys High School Centre Hayze Perham Rotorua Boys High School Billy Proctor St Patrick's College Wellington Wing Mosese Dawai Fielding High School Vilimoni Koroi Fielding High School Caleb Clarke Mt Albert Grammar School Leicester Faingaanuku Nelson College Connor Garden-Bachop Scots College Ngane Punivai Christ’s College Fullback DannyToala Hastings Boys High School Niven Longopoa Mt Albert Grammar School Reece Plumtree Wellington College New Zealand Rugby’s High Performance Talent Identification Manager Matt Sexton congratulated all those selected. “We’re really pleased with the calibre of talent to choose from this year which provided us with some tough choices. This is exactly what you want when selecting a squad," he said. “We’ve got a really well balanced squad with good depth across all positions so we’re confident we’ll be able to field two very competitive teams at the end of the upcoming camp. “It’s great to see a core group of players from last year returning to the squad - Tim Hogan, Caleb Clarke, Xavier Numia and Flynn Thomas, along with returning 2015 New Zealand Barbarians Schools players in Ajay Mua, Ciarahn Matoe, Tim Farrell and Brayden Iose. Their experience will certainly be of huge value. “It’s also really pleasing to see so many schools represented which underlines how healthy the secondary school game is in this country. This bodes well for the future of the game here,” Sexton said. Unavailable due to injury; Otago Boys’ High School prop Sione Asi (knee) and King’s College midfielder, Bailyn Sullivan (knee). 2016 New Zealand Schools schedule 3 October New Zealand Barbarians Schools v Australia Schools NZ Schools v Fiji Schools Mt Albert Grammar, Auckland 8 October New Zealand Barbarians Schools v Fiji Schools New Zealand Schools v Australia Schools Auckland Grammar, Auckland Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE  Feilding High School: 25 (Josiah Maraku try; Vilimoni Koroi 1dg, Kody Edwards 5 pen 1 con) Aorere College: 5 (Penisoni Fineanganofo try).
Feilding High School have won the National co-education championship for a third time defeating Aorere College 25-5 in a messy decider in Palmerston North. Played on a greasy surface in misty drizzle, Feilding adapted to the conditions better by kicking deep into the Aorere half and daring the South Auckland side to run it back. Aorere took the bait and were hassled into repeat mistakes. Feilding built a 19-0 lead on the back of Kody Edwards accurate boot and an eighth minute try to centre Josiah Maraku. Aorere lost hooker Feterika Tanuvasa to the sin bin for high tackle in the 53rd minute, but threatened an unlikely comeback in the 62nd minute when industrious blindside Penisoni Fineanganofo barged over. However another Edwards penalty and a drop goal by fullback Vilimoni Koroi sealed a comfortable win. Fineanganofo, Albert Ngata (7), Mose Senio (11) and Mosese Pepa (15) all played with heart and flair for Aorere. Edwards controlled things nicely for Feilding. Openside and captain Jack Kinder was a workhorse and Koroi with his defensive kicking and illusive running showed why he will push hard for a New Zealand Schools' place. St. Peter's Cambridge: 37 (Kaea Hongara, Jacob Norris, Oliver Norris tries; Rewita Biddle 6 pen, 2 con) Burnside High School: 10 (Emerson McKee try; Riain Harris-Lynch 1 pen, Zion Wilson 1 con) St. Peter's Cambridge have finished third at the National co-education tourney overwhelming Burnside High School 37-10 in the consolation playoff. St. Peter's aggressive and diligent forwards paved the way for a comfortable victory. Burnside was hassled into penalties and handling errors as they struggled to exit their own territory. St. Peter's led 15-3 at halftime with fullback Rewita Biddle kicking faultlessly from the tee. St. Peter's scored the first try shortly after halftime when a quick tap caught Burnside napping and second-five Kaea Hongara barged over. Burnside responded when busy centre Mikaele Ravalawa breached the St. Peter's defense and fullback Emerson McKee finished a long and rare passage inside the opposing 22. St. Peter's lock and Chiefs U18 rep Laghlan McWhannell was outstanding. His command of the lineouts was an essential part of St. Peter's win and a soaring catch and dispatch to openside Jacob Norris resulted in a second try. No.8 Oliver Norris capped a fine afternoon when he muscled over on fulltime. Hongara and first-five Jacob Smyth played with intelligence for St. Peter's. For Burnside openside Cam Russell and lock Jason Embling battled with heart. Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE Mount Albert Grammar High School: 14 (Isaiah Papali'i try; Oliver Shepherd 3 pen) Hastings Boys' High School: 13 (Jeriah Mau try; Danny Toala 2 pen, 1 con) Mount Albert Grammar School have won the National Top Four for the third time defeating Hastings Boys' High School 14-13 in a torrid and gripping final in Palmerston North. Heavy rain made the ball greasy and turned the match into a territorial arm-wrestle. MAGS mauled strongly from the outset and won a penalty inside the Hastings 22 after three minutes. Hooker Oliver Shepherd converted and it was 3-0. MAGS sought repeat lineout drives, but Hastings lock Tane Hohipa was disruptive as both teams struggled to attain momentum. In the 15th minute MAGS fullback Niven Longopoa caught a high kick inside his 22. He didn't claim a mark and was hammered by the Hastings defense. Longopoa was penalised for hanging on and Danny Toala equalised. In the 16th minute Hastings lost their captain Kianu Kereru-Symes. The loosehead prop left the field with apparent concussion. The absence of Kereru-Symes gifted MAGS a significant advantage in the scrums. In the 18th minute MAGS scored their only try. A series of robust pick and goes saw openside Isaiah Papali'i wriggle over in traffic. Papali'i won the Land Rover First XV player of the year award. His abrasive defense and bustling carries are an integral component of MAGS success. Hastings halfback Folau Fakatava has been an instrumental figure in his side, but wasn't available for selection today due to injury. However makeshift halfback Lincoln McClutchie was threatening with his pace around the fringes. In the 26th minute McClutchie broke 40-meters and surged inside the MAGS 22 only to be stopped by wing Harley Maynard and Longopoa. Toala made to partial breaks, but the MAGS defense was suffocating and it was 8-3 at halftime. Shepherd extended the lead by three with a second penalty in the 36th minute, before Hastings enjoyed a period of relative control. In the 40th minute prop Aleki Vuki dropped the ball with vacant pasture ahead after a nice slight on hand by McClutchie. In the 44th minute a penalty shot was turned down 25-meters directly in front, but a similar chance was taken by Toala three minutes later, 11-6. MAGS rallied and used their big forwards to battle into the Hastings half. In the 52nd minute Hastings wing Trent Hape was yellow carded for persistent infringements. In the 54th minute Longopoa flashed through the Hastings defense and sailed into the Hastings 22. He was sliced down in a dramatic tackle by No.8 Devan Flanders. Hastings won a turnover and cleared for touch. MAGS won the lineout and a penalty for a high tackle which Shepherd kicked to make the score 14-6. The penalty was somewhat unfortunate as the MAGS played slipped into a swinging arm. Hastings threw everything at MAGS in the last quarter, but were unable to win quick ball. MAGS defense was watertight and Hastings turned down easy shots at goal in purist of a try. In the last-minute Jeriah Mau struggled over and Toala converted for a final score of 14-13. Hastings became the eighth team to lose the top four final after going through the season undefeated. Hooker Jacob Devery, Hohipa, Flanders and McClutchie were among the standouts in a whole-hearted effort. For MAGS Michael Palmer (3), Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa (5), John Latu (8), Salyn Tonu'u (9), Paul Roache (10), Papali'i and Longopoa were standouts for the best First XV in New Zealand in 2016. Per Angusta Ad Augusta - Through Hardship to Glory. Meanwhile in the playoff for third Hamilton Boys' High School finished with a flourish to beat Southland Boys' High School 36-10. Hamilton ends the season with a record of 19 wins in 24 matches. Southland was far more competitive than what they were on Friday, but struggled to build consistent pressure and lacked Hamilton's speed and power out wide. It was 19-10 at halftime and six tries to one in the finish. Hamilton Boys' High School: 36 (Raiki Willison 2, Kieran Lee, Elijah Cracknell, Charlie Lawrence, Joshua Moorby tries; Joshua Moorby 2 con Willson 1 con) Southland Boys' High School: 10 (Flynn Thomas try; Mitchell Taylor 1 con, 1 pen) Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE  Southland Girls’ High School have won their maiden Girls rugby Top 4 championship title this afternoon at Arena Manawatu in Palmerston North, beating Wellington’s St Mary’s College 46-29 in the final.
Kaipara College won the playoff for third and fourth, defeating defending champions Hamilton Girls’ High School 10-7 in a low scoring thriller that could have gone either way. Southland GHS raced to a 22-0 lead after as many minutes, sealing the match with a devastating four-try burst before St Mary’s had fired a shot. Centre Alena Saili was the Player of the Final, scoring a hat-trick of tries and setting up another to openside flanker and captain Kendall Buckingham after making yet another break out wide and crossing the line herself but unselfishly passing to her skipper. That was just about her last act of the match, leaving the field injured with most of the second half remaining, but at 36-7 up the final was in the bag. St Mary’s, who lost their captain and influential centre Monica Tagoai to the sin-bin late in the first and playmaking first five-eighth Cheyenne Copeland to injury soon after, nevertheless rallied and crossed for four tries by the end. But the day belonged to Saili and Southland who were fast out of the blocks and rattled the Wellington team early. They used width and pace early and went up 17-0. It got better soon after when Saili completed her hat-trick and the game was as good as won. St Mary’s hit back with a try out wide, converted from the sideline. But Southland struck through again before the oranges to second five-eighth Amy Du Plessis, who was to score a second try later on along with flanker Buckingham who also had an excellent match. Other players to stand out for Southland were lock Libby Napier, loosehead prop Kayla Brock and No. 8 Emma Dermody. For St Mary’s, No. 8 Dhys Faleafafa was their best player on the day. In the playoff for third and fourth, Kaipara College can thank a massive defensive effort that saw them home against Hamilton GHS. It was Kaipara’s centre and captain, Rina Paraone, that proved to be an influential player for the winners, scoring a try and directing much of their attack in broken play where they looked most dangerous. Kaipara opened the scoring early through right wing Georgia Logan to put them up 5-0 after as many minutes. They maintained their early ascendancy, but Hamilton held on. Hamilton then struck late in the half with a converted try out wide to fullback Kiriana Nolan. But Kaipara scored a second try before halftime to Paraone, and they led 10-7 at the interval. With light rain falling, the second half quickly turned into a battle of attrition, with both sides spending long periods in the others’ 22, but unable to break through to score. Hamilton dominated the Kaipara scrum, that was fielding a player on debut at hooker and had been playing 10s rugby all year with uncontested scrums. Hamilton first five-eighth Callister Wihone also missed with two penalty chances. Look out for College Sport Media’s video highlights of the two finals coming up. Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE  Mount Albert Grammar School: 41 (Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa 2, John Latu Thomas Barlow, Niven Longopoa, Isaiah Papali'i, Kahu Boyd tries; Longopoa 1 pen, Oliver Shepherd 1 pen) Southland BHS: 0
Mount Albert Grammar School have stormed into their third National Top Four final after a record 41-0 win against Southland Boys' High School. Since the inception of the tournament in 1982 the biggest winning margin previously was 39 points when Kelston Boys' High School beat Wellington College 46-7 in the third-placed game in 1998. Remarkably, MAGS missed all seven conversions and bombed another four tries in an imperious display. MAGS established their authority from the outset when they mauled 35-metres from a lineout. Southland did well to hold MAGS to only 3-0 after 15 minutes. Hooker Oliver Shepherd opened the scoring with a penalty and Southland's wing Ben Pope and first-five Mitchell Taylor made breaks that forced MAGS to scramble. MAGS fullback Niven Longopoa looked to inject himself from the back and in the 16th minute he broke from his own 22 to send Southland into retreat. Quick hands by wing Patrick Pati and second-five Kahurangi Morehu saw No.8 John Latu score the first try. Halfback Salyn Tonu'u kept the defence guessing with his snips and a breakout from the kickoff created a second try for lock Waimana Reidlinger-Kapa. At 13-0 the floodgates opened. Reidlinger-Kapa illustrated his quality by grabbing a double. Openside Isaiah Papali'i was a human wrecking ball and was rewarded for his industry with a try as was the lively Longopoa. Even the reserve forwards joined the party with substitute hooker Kahu Boyd having the final say. This performance was about as good as it gets from MAGS. Southland lacked relative size, but not heart. Skipper Flynn Thomas pulled off two try-saving tackles and should reclaim his New Zealand School's jersey. However history speaks for itself in this game. Southland Boys' was beaten 53-18 by Gisborne BHS in the third-placed game in 1993 and 26-0 by Napier BHS in the equivalent fixture in 2001. Wellington College (2000), Rotorua BHS (2006) and St. Bede's College (2009) are the only other teams to be held scoreless in a top four match. Hastings BHS: 18 (Donovan Mataira, Hunter Marsh tries; Danny Toala 2 pen, 1 con) Hamilton BHS: 10 (Kieran Lee try; Joshua Moorby 1 con, 1 pen) Hastings Boys' High School will contest their first ever National Top Four final after overcoming a tenacious Hamilton in the semi-finals. Hamilton became the first team to lead Hastings at halftime in 2016, but it wasn't enough to tame the Super 8 champions. The game was on a knife-edge for most of the second-half. After 62 minutes Hastings led 13-10 when they conceded a penalty 35-metres out from goal. Fullback Joshua Moorby lined up a kick to draw Hamilton level, but nudge ahead on the first try wins rule. The ball cannoned off the left hand upright and was cleared to safety by Hastings. With three minutes remaining Hastings won a penalty and kicked inside the Hamilton 22. The Hastings forwards drove without mercy towards the line and eventually space opened up for centre Trent Hape to secure victory. Hastings started brightly when fullback Danny Toala kicked two penalties to establish a 6-0 lead. The fleet-footed attack of first-five Lincoln McClutchie caused concern for the Hamilton defence which was resolute. Hamilton wing Kieran Lee accelerated into a yawing hole to score the first try and Hamilton led 10-6 at halftime when Moorby added a conversion and a penalty. The margin for error was small as both teams fought desperately for territory and an edge at the brutal breakdowns. Hastings secured a lead they never lost with about 20 minutes to go when Hamilton conceded a penalty at the ruck and another one for backchat. Hastings advanced into the 22 and an unstoppable maul saw blindside Hunter Marsh crash over. Prop Kianu Kereru-Symes, lock Tane Hohipa, openside Xavier Hill and McClutchie (who switched to halfback late in the game) were among the pick of the Hastings players For Hamilton lock Hadleigh Morgan, No.8 Patrick McCurran and centre Quinn Tupaea stood tall in a shattering defeat. Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE
2/9/2016
AORERE V FEILDING CO-ED FINAL Aorere College: 32 (Penisoni Fineanganofo, JP Ngatoko, Mose Senio, Mosese Pepa tries; Ngatoko 2 con, 2 pen) Burnside High School: 13 (Mikaele Ravalawa try; Zion Smith 2 pen, 1 con)
Aorere College have won through to their first National co-education final since 2009 after eliminating South Island champions Burnside High School. Burnside mistakes and Aorere's ability to launch long-range counter attacks was the telling difference. Initially Burnside found holes in the middle of the Aorere ruck defense and anchored themselves inside the Aorere 22. A fumble led to a breakout try for wing Mose Senio. The ball was shared between multiple players in a thrilling 80-metre movement. Burnside centre Mikaele Ravalawa was a standout performer. He was unlucky to be penalised for leaving his feet after a thumping tackle. Aorere extended their advantage to 10-0 via a JP Ngatoko penalty. Zion Smith nailed a 25-metre penalty to put Burnside on the board, but Aorere scored 10 points before halftime to take a decisive lead to the interval. Blindside Penisoni Fineanganofo bowled over after repeat pick and goes and Ngatoko slotted a second penalty. Ravalawa inspired a Burnside rally when he scorched through the Aorere defense and burst 25-metres, but when the score was 20-13 Aorere's electric fullback Mosese Pepa skipped away from would-be tacklers to make it 25-13. Burnside captain Cam Russell fought his way back into the Aorere 22, but an intercept by Ngatoko sealed victory for the South Auckland school. Aorere first-five Demas Kururangi used the wind to kick the corners effectively. Lock Siaosi Alatini's work rate was outstanding and Pepa, Ngatoko and Fineanganofo flourished. For Burnside lock Jason Embling and Russell battled gamely. Feilding High School: 20 (Vilimoni Koroi, David Parker tries; Kody Edwards 2 con, 2 pen) St. Peter's Cambridge: 6 (Rewita Biddle 2 pen) Feilding High School have avenged their defeat to St. Peter's Cambridge in the Central North Island series to win through to the National co-education final for the third time. Two outstanding tries in the first-half and resolute defense throughout earned Feilding their passage. St. Peter's used the wind to good effect to control territory in the early stages. Mistakes kept both teams scoreless. In the 15th minute Feilding second-five John Lomu busted four tackles and surged to within metres of the St. Peter's line. Looking to connect with his support, Lomu threw a pass that was intercepted by St. Peters. St. Peter's lost the ball at the next ruck and Feilding whipped it wide to fullback Vilimoni Koroi who bumped off two tackles and stretched out to score in the corner. Koroi, who played with a noticeable hobble, turned from hero to villain when he was yellow-carded for a no-arms tackle. Feilding scored when Koroi was absent. Wing Moije Dawai broke several tackles and roared inside the St. Peter's 22. Openside Jack Kinder fumbled the ball over the line in support, following a great tackle by Rewita Biddle. From the scrum Feilding won a tighthead and No.8 David Parker powered over. Biddle kicked two penalties for St. Peter's and tired hard to break the sturdy Feilding defense which spend most of the second-half in their own 22. Kinder atoned for his blemish with a feverish performance. He was well supported by hooker Hunter Aiken, blindside Tyler Moeau and Parker. First-five Kody Edwards is an assured performer. For St. Peter's the Morris brothers Jacob and Oliver were a hive of activity in the loose and lock Laghlan McWhannell soared in the lineouts and was an aggressive presence. Looking for USA Scholarships? Check out USA CONNECT Looking for $40000 University of Waikato Study Scholarships CLICK HERE Looking for Sport Exchange Opportunities to Australia CLICK HERE |
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