2nd XV vs Wanganui High School 1st XV - Thursday 8 June - Match Report
The 2nd XV travelled over to Wanganui on Thursday afternoon to play their rearranged game from this weekend due to the clash with the Hastings Boys’ Super 8 fixture.
A very slow start, showing a lack of energy and enthusiasm was pounced upon by Wanganui and they snatched the initiative. Their runners made ground easily and the normally sound 2nd XV defence was all at sea as Wanganui found gaps all over the field. A series of offloads saw an early try and then a chip kick through saw Wanganui score their second and after 8 minutes PNBHS trailed 14-0. The side rallied and were rewarded with a try to Mitch Leach following some patient build up. Unfortunately, more poor play followed allowing Wanganui to score a third and lead 21-5. Another positive response followed and a strong carry from Leauga Talamavaio off a scrum created space and Bryn Gordon crashed over and Jack Harris converted. Half time 21-12
The second half saw PNBHS start with far more urgency with the forwards carrying aggressively. This put Wanganui under pressure and a poor kick was seized upon allowing Israel Young to crash over and reduce the deficit to 21-17. Wanganui responded well and applied some real pressure to PNBHS who were functioning better now. Despite some big hits from Bryn Gordon and Soane Fakahau, PNBHS conceded two penalties which allowed Wanganui to extend the lead to 27-17 with 9 minutes to play.
Again, PNBHS rallied. Strong carries from Thomas Ellmers-Ropotini put PNBHS on the front foot and quick service from Jayden Keelen at half back started to stretch the Wanganui defence. The pressure told and Israel Young scored his second with 4 minutes to play and it was game on at 27-24. In the ascendency now PNBHS sensed an opportunity. Off a lineout, the forwards went to work putting together 11 phases before a snipe by Jayden Keelen saw him score and the conversion gave PNBHS a 31-27 lead with a minute to play.
Final Score 27-31 to PNBHS.
Scorers:
Tries
Mitchell Leach
Bryn Gordon
Israel Young (x2)
Jayden Keelen
Conversions
Jack Harris (x3)