PNBHS 2nd XV vs Tauranga BC 2nd XV
The 2nd XV travelled to Tauranga on Friday to take on the Tauranga BC 2nd XV in the Super 8 competition. The game started well with the PNBHS forwards forcing an early penalty and a 3-0 lead. A charge down allowed Tauranga BC back into the game before a try to Usaia Fonongoloa put PNBHS back in front 8-5. Another error allowed Tauranga BC to apply pressure in the PNBHS 22 and they were rewarded with a try for a 12-8 half time lead.
An early penalty in the second half saw Tauranga BC extend their lead to 15-8. An injury then forced a reshuffle in the back line. Tauranga BC took advantage of this with kicks in behind causing serious issues. Tauranga BC were rewarded with two tries and the lead was 27-8.
PNBHS showed great spirit and the forwards took the game to their Tauranga BC counterparts led by Darius Mafileo, Kolo Tavake & Soane Fakahau and were rewarded with a try to Thomas Ellmers-Ropotini to reduce the deficit to 27-15.
PNBHS came back again and, after a number of phases, Soane Fakahau crashed over and it was 27-22. A deep kick left PNBHS 85m to go with time up. However, the forwards now had their tails up and they tore into the Tauranga BC line. A penalty on the 22 was tapped by Matty Oldridge and Kolo Tavake looked to have scored the match winner but lost the ball in contact and PNBHS were defeated 27-22.
