PNBHS NEWS

1st XV vs Gisborne BHS - win 23-21

 
Picture of Dominic King
1st XV vs Gisborne BHS - win 23-21
by Dominic King - Sunday, 27 May 2018, 2:11 PM
 

Gisborne Boys’ High School Report

Pictures of the Match  Gisborne BHS

The 1stXV kicked of their Super Eight campaign against the visiting Gisborne Boys’ High School 1stXV.  Gisborne always present a massive challenge being superbly coached and a very proud team. A physical encounter was expected and, from the outset, it was clear both teams were set for a great game.

We gained visible momentum in the opening 15 minutes of the game and our creativity on attack was rewarded with space down the edges of the Gisborne defence.  A number of times we worked our way into a scoring position that was not realoised due to an errant pass or taking the option of contact when players were unmarked.  As a result, we let the opposition into the game and they prospered by working their way into our half and setting up camp inside our 22. Our defence was staunch and, while we cleared our line on numerous occasions, eventually the workload counted against us and Gisborne were the first to score with a converted try. The next stanza of the game was played between the 22’s as ill discipline from both sides prevented any pressure from being built through possession.  Eventually we were able to get into attacking position 5 m off the tryline and while initially we turned the ball over, we created a turnover of our own through our defence and were able to even up the scoreboard with a converted try.  Shortly thereafter Ruben Love nailed a long range penalty and Stewart Cruden added a second just before halftime to take a 13-7 lead into the half.    

The halftime messages were around getting up and meeting the big runners of the opposition and being more clinical in our edge attack. 

The second stanza saw some tremendous play from both sides, with neither willing to yield.  Educated kicking pinned Gisborne in their 22 and a superbly worked converted try saw us jump out to a 20 – 7 lead with 20 minutes to go.  Gisborne showed a ton of heart however and started placing us under tremendous pressure with a smart kicking game of their own.  The pressure led to errors in our own 22 and, while our scrambling defence was at times superb, again the weight of possession was telling and in a 10 minute period, Gisborne scored two converted tries, taking the lead 21-20. With time almost up on the clock, one last effort from the scrum produced a tight head and from the resulting play we were awarded a penalty 40m out on the angle. Stewart Cruden made the necessary adjustment from an earlier miss in the same position and duly slotted the kick. Final score 23-21.  

This was a superb example of 1stXV rugby with both sides showing what it means to wear their 1stXV jersey.  While we created enough to win the game in the first 15 minutes, the fact that we won it in the last shows the tightness of this fixture and the composure this team has.  

Our next game will be yet another big challenge with Tauranga Boys’ College coming to play on the number one on Friday 1stJune, kick off at 12:45. 

Points Scorers:

Tries:                       Ethan Johanson

                                    Bryn Gordon

Penalties:            Stewart Cruden x 2

                                    Ruben Love

Conversions:      Stewart Cruden x 2