The PNBHS 1st XV started the third term of rugby with the traditional exchange against the highly rated Kings College from Auckland. Currently sitting a point off 4th in the Auckland 1A competition, Kings have a strong rugby programme and play a well-balanced game with structure, physicality and flair on attack and a strong defensive screen.
Rain in the weeks leading up to the match meant that the field was going to be sticky at best and the wind was freshening as the afternoon wore on. Thus armed with a bit of home ground knowledge we planned to make the most of the better conditions at the start of the game before playing became difficult.
The lack of game time combinations was evident on the opening stanzas of the game with both sides struggling with set piece, lineouts in particular, however the phase play from both sides was promising and continuity was to the forefront. The defence from the home side had plenty of sting early also as the linespeed was far more controlled then it had been in recent games and the Kings side certainly knew they were in for a battle. The wind was at the back of the Kings side and so they had the better of the territorial stakes and were rewarded with a penalty to lead 3-0 after the first quarter. We started to get some more possession and off the back of some strong running from our forwards got back into the match with raids into the opposition’s 22. One of these raids led to a converted try to Michael Ioane to put the side 7-3 ahead and starting to regain some of its confidence. Play again centralised between the 22’s as neither side gave an inch defensively and an arm wrestle developed. Kings had the final say of the 1st half with a converted try of their own to take a 10-7 lead into the break.
The second half saw the wind strength increase as predicted and the home side used it intelligently with an improving kicking game from the backs pinning the Kings side in their 22. The game went to the trenches given the conditions and the strong Kings runners were met by some equally staunch defence in the close channels. Territory led to a fairly steady stream of penalties and in an excellent kicking display, Stewart Cruden kicked three to firstly draw the team level then get out to a 16-10 lead. Kings responded throughout this period and in the last ten minutes laid siege to our line however we were able to keep them out, kick long and they would have to work hard from deep to mount another attack. Ultimately they were unable to get over the line and the home side prevailed 16-10.
The team showed a lot of heart in this performance with the memory of the passing of much loved staff member Mr Tamatea one year ago driving them on. The side resumes its Super 8 campaign by heading to play National champions Rotorua Boys’ High School next Saturday in what will be another stern test.
Points Scorers:
Try Michael Ioane
Conversion Stewart Cruden
Penalties: Stewart Cruden x 3
Click on link to view pics: Kings College
