Waipukurau 7's Rugby
The PNBHS 7’s Rugby Season Kicks Off!
On Saturday 13th February PNBHS kicked off the 7’s rugby season travelling to Waipukurau to compete in the Hawkes Bay 7’s tournament. On arrival and after setting up the school tents, the boys were briefed by Mr Finch on the importance of staying in the shade, staying hydrated and refuelling at the allocated times. The temperature reached over 30 degrees at times, so this advice proved to be critical and enabled both sides to make their respective finals.
Our B team were elevated to the bowl final after being beaten in their semi-final by Taradale U 21 team who had been rolling a squad of 18 players throughout pool play instead of the required 12. This resulted in them being expelled from the tournament and allowed our boys a great opportunity to play in the final. Standout performances were had by Remi Halpin, Sean Pape and Semisi Olivetti, all of whom are new students to PNBHS.
PNBHS B’s Vs Napier Pirates U 21’s Loss 17-5
PNBHS B’s Vs Petone U 21’s Loss 31-0
Bowl Semi-final
PNBHS B’s Vs Taradale U 21’s Loss 24 -7
Bowl Final
PNBHS B’s Vs Napier OB Marist U 21’s Win 14-12
The PNBHS A side set their standards high being captained by Matene Ruawai for the up-coming season. The main goals for the tournament were to play with structure and to work on communication during all games. Players to perform consistently throughout the day were Sam Stewart, Wesley Veikoso and Jacob Freeman-Broderick.
PNBHS A’s Vs Napier OB Marist U21’s Win 19-5
PNBHS A’s Vs Clive U 21’s Win 19-5
Championship Semi-final
PNBHS A’s Vs MAC U 21’s Win19-12
Championship Final
PNBHS A’s Vs Petone U 21’s Loss 22-12
Although the team didn’t quite have the size to match Petone, the experience of playing against bigger and more physical players bids well for the remainder of the season. Outstanding loose forward, Brayden Iose was named player of tournament for the Under 21’s division and received a $100 voucher to be put toward his training and conditioning program. The squad now turns its focus and energy toward the Sir Gordon Tietjens 7’s Rugby Tournament being held at on Friday the 26 February and Saturday 27 February out at the Sport and Rugby Institute at Massey University.
