PNBHS 2nd XV vs Cullinane 1st XV
PNBHS 2nd XV resumed their Premier 1 campaign on Saturday, 22 June hosting Cullinane 1st XV. This was always a potential banana skin given the run of fixtures, and so the pre-match focus was around a ‘quick start’ and imposing ourselves.
The 2nd XV started well, applying pressure on Cullinane before an error gifted Cullinane possession and they went through several phases to score a well-crafted try. From the kick off, Cullinane spilled the ball, Jared Sellwood pounced and his offload was converted by Piutau Halafa’u to reduce the deficit. PNBHS controlled the rest of the half and were rewarded with a close-range try to Kalis Mason to lead 12-7.
The 2nd XV were challenged at half time to ‘tighten’ up their game, to focus on carrying strongly and recycling quickly and building phases rather than forcing the game. This paid immediate dividends as they worked their way into the Cullinane 22 and Brody Zander crashed over off the back of a scrum. They immediately worked their way back into the 22 and after a series of pick ‘n’ go’s, VJ Tauli scrambled over.
PNBHS kept the pressure on and after earning a penalty, a quick tap saw Zane Munn plough over and extend the lead. Cullinane responded and scored a good try of their own before a rampaging run from Kalis Mason saw him grab his second and make the final score 36-12.
Scorers:
Tries: Piutau Halafa’u, Kalis Mason (2), Brody Zander, VJ Tauli, Zane Munn
Conversions: Kopere Tanoa (3)
