NBHS 1st XV rugby lads retain Moascar Cup
Napier Boys' High School 1st XV rugby fullback Afa Moleli had every right to be sporting one of the biggest grins after his side retained the Moascar Cup in Napier today.
Year 12 student Moleli had an outstanding game during the Sky Blues 22-10 victory over Tauranga Boys College in their Super 8 third round clash. He scored a cracker of an individual try with a clever kick and chase move to give the hosts a 12-5 lead 25 minutes into the second half.
He also impressed with his defensive reads and communication throughout the match.
"It means a lot to retain the Moascar Cup. In 2018 the school only had it for 48 hours ... now we've had it for more than a week," Moleli explained while pointing to the cup which is the Ranfurly Shield of New Zealand secondary schools rugby.
He is confident his team can maintain their unbeaten Super 8 run when they travel to take on defending champions Hamilton Boys' High School next week.
"As long as we stick to our No 1 priority which is composure we will be right," Moleli added.
Playing with the wind behind them the hosts established a 17-5 halftime lead today. Winger Ethyn Martin scored the first try in the 12th minute after superb work from in-form second five-eighth Tipene Maxwell.
First five-eighth Carlos Kemp converted from wide out. Tauranga replied with a run-away try to hooker Jay-Reeve Mose three minutes later. Kemp converted Moleli's try and a 30th minute penalty to complete the scoring in the first spell.
Tauranga closed the gap with a try to busy lock Curtis Palmer early in the second half. Inspirational NBHS prop Mitchell Curran celebrated his 50th match for the hosts with the final try 25 minutes into the half.
Once again the hosts, who had no passengers, were rewarded for their ability to hang tough and maintain their composure. Kemp's goalkicking and directional play was spot on in the tricky wind while the host pack functioned well.
Mose, Palmer and No 8 Ethan Gardiner were prominent in the Tauranga pack. Second five-eighth Matthew Stewart was the pick of the Tauranga backs.
The visitors were guilty of spilling too much ball which was a tribute to the tenacious defence from the hosts.
Scorers:
Napier Boys' High School 22 (Ethyn Martin, Afa Moleli, Mitchell Curran tries; Carlos Kemp 2 cons, pen), Tauranga Boys' College 10 (Jay-Reeve Mose, Curtis Palmer tries). HT: 17-5.
