1st XV Match Report: Knock Out v Napier Boys’ High School
As a result of winning the Polson Banner exchange, PNBHS won the right to host Napier again in the first knock out game for the National Top 4 competition. The winner would head off to play the top Wellington side, the loser would head to the beach.
The recent weather meant that we moved the fixture of the Number 1 and up to Massey University. The decision was vindicated when the storm hit early in the game. Napier were the dominant team for large periods of both halves and we struggled to exit our 22. When we did our ill-discipline meant we gave the opposition easy piggy back penalties back into the danger zone. The redeeming feature of this was that our defence had to stand up to the Napier runners as they lay siege to our tryline. While we scored the first penalty of the game early, Napier replied with a try after 20 minutes of solid effort. The positive from this was that we were able to get into the Napier half and scored a try of our own as the try ended. Two scoring opportunities bookended a full on Napier onslaught and we took the lead into oranges.
The second half was a replay of the first with Napier retaining possession and launching wave after wave of attack. Time and time again we were able to repel, scored a penalty of our own, and then let Napier in with a try with 5 minutes remaining. We scored a further penalty and managed to wind the clock down to take the win 16-12.
This was a game built firmly on defence and as we head to the next game against Scots College, we can take heart from that. Our attack was effective when we got into position and we need to ensure we sharpen our strategies to create more opportunities.
Thank you to our sponsors Todd Collins and Matt McKinnon from NZ Specialised Coatings, and Aaron Currie from Higgins who braved the conditions to watch the game, to the White Jersey Club for providing the after match and to Massey University for allowing us to use their facilities.
Point Scorers:
Try: Ruben Love
Con: Ruben Love
Pen: Ruben Love x 2
