2nd XV vs Rotorua Boys' High School 2nd XV Match Report:
PNBHS entertained Rotorua Boys' on Saturday in the resumption of their Super 8 campaign. As they had picked up a couple of good wins recently, the 2nd XV went into the game confident of getting a result.
A strong start saw PNBHS applying early pressure and they were rewarded with a penalty to Jack Harris and an early 3-0 lead. PNBHS were playing intelligent rugby, turning Rotorua behind and dominating territory. Having gained field position, PNBHS built phases and a good pass from Max Harris put Israel Young in space and he fended a ‘would-be’ tackler before giving a nice pass for Harlow Apiata who scored in the corner. PNBHS controlled the rest of the 1st half, helped by carries from Trevor-Shane Baker, Bryn Gordon and Cail Terri but poor discipline and simple errors prevented them from adding to their score.
Half time 8-0 to PNBHS.
Early errors gave Rotorua an opportunity in the PNBHS 22 and some good attack saw them create space and score in the corner to reduce the deficit to 8-7. From this point, PNBHS seized the initiative. They dominated the field position with some intelligent kicking and some good attack and were unlucky not to add to their score. However, with only a few minutes remaining and Rotorua beginning to throw the ball around, the game was in the balance. However, superb defence, led by Mitch Leach, Isaiah Sua and Israel Young saw PNBHS hold them out for an 8-7 win
Scorers:
Tries:
Harlow Apiata
Penalties:
Jack Harris