PNBHS 2nd XV v HIBS 1st XV
Thursday 5 April
The 2nd XV were slow out of the blocks and allowed the HIBS forwards to gain some momentum. This led to an early penalty which gave HIBS a 3-0 lead. An error from PNBHS when on attack gifted a run away try to HIBS and the 2nd XV were down 10-0 early.
The team rallied and a nice 8-9 play saw Logan Love put Tremain Thompson-Ashford away for a good try which was converted to reduce the deficit to 10-7. A crunching tackle from Archie Justice then gave Josh Ellingham an opportunity for a turnover and he stole the ball before sprinting 40m for a try and a 14-10 lead.
From the restart and an exit play, poor defence was again exposed with a series of missed tackles before HIBS scored to regain the lead 15-14. PNBHS again responded and after a series of good carries Jack Watson scored in the corner and PNBHS were ahead 19-15.
The second half started with PNBHS much more vigorous in their carry and clean out, and they were rewarded with a well-worked try to Armani Tupai which extended the lead to 26-15. Further errors from PNBHS allowed HIBS to score two late tries to lead 29-26 with time almost up on the clock. It was at this point where PNBHS played their best rugby of the match. Some crisp back play created space and a break from Armani Tupai forced a penalty which was quickly tapped by Tom Kirk. He found Josh Ellingham who threw a good pass for Xavier Reuben to crash over and win the game at the death 31-29.
There is lots to work on at this stage of the season, but a very encouraging response by the team bodes well as we move towards the start of the season.