NBHS win, HBHS lose in round one of Super 8 rugby
Crikey ... it was a lot tighter than the final score suggests.
Napier Boys High School's 1st XV rugby side won their home Super 8 opener 24-0 against Gisborne Boys' High School today.
But as NBHS coach Brendon Ratcliffe was quick to acknowledge afterwards the only real difference between the two teams was the hosts defensive effort when they were being hammered for the first 10 minutes of the second half.
"Our composure and character during that period was great. When we keep things simple that's when we are at our best," Ratcliffe explained.
His troops led 5-0 at halftime. Quick hands after 10 minutes of continuous pressure sent winger, national surf lifesaving beach sprint champion Wesley Akeripa, over for a try early in the half.
Gisborne were unlucky to lose the ball forward when they were applying plenty of pressure early in the second half. Centre Tipene Maxwell gave Napier a 10-0 lead with his try following a solo run 20 minutes into the second half.
Winger Ethyn Martin scored after a superb break from substitute midfield back Bethel Leutele Malasia. Busy prop Mitchell Curran scored the final try after a solo run.
First five-eighth Carlos Kemp converted Curran and Maxwell's tries. Blindside flanker Max Ratcliffe, a Year 11 student, was Napier's player-of-the-day. His work ethic and display proved he has the potential to follow a similar path to former Magpies captain Michael Johnson.
Captain and openside flanker Amos Roddick, lock Dylan Bronlund and No 8 and vice captain Khian Westrupp were workaholics in the Gisborne pack. First five-eighth Nic Proffit directed the visiting backline well.
Hastings Boys' High School lost their away match against Palmerston North Boys' High School 25-8 after trailing 15-8 at halftime. Blindside flanker Kaihau Pasikala scored Hastings only try and first five-eighth Hoera Stephenson kicked a conversion.
Winger Mefi Tupou was the best of the Hastings players with outstanding breaks, strong defence and sound communication. Prop Tini Nu'u and co-captain and No 8 Cooper Flanders were inspirational in the Hastings pack.
"Our forwards went well in tough conditions. But overall our skill execution let us down. Collectively it wasn't our best performance," HBHS manager Jason Bird said.
Scorers:
Napier Boys' High School 24 (Wesley Akeripa, Tipene Maxwell, Ethyn Martin, Mitchell Curran tries; Carlos Kemp 2 cons), Gisborne Boys' High School 0. HT: 5-0.
