1st XV v Hastings BHS - Hurricanes Final - Saturday 31 August
The 1st XV played the highly touted Hastings Boys’ High School in the Hurricanes final, the winner earning the right to play in the National Top 4 finals.
The game was played at high pace and the attack and defence was willing from both sides. Hastings were a threat on the counterattack and the home side built pressure through sustained phases trying to punch holes through the middle before heading wide. We were scoring in multiples of three as penalties were earned in scoring zones. Hastings were scoring tries through outstanding use of possession and at the half it was very tight with a score line of 15-17.
The second half saw a repeat of the first with both sides evenly matched with ball in hand. Hastings side to side attack was begin covered by our defence and they were aiming up defensively as we sent our ball runners forward. The difference was the manner in which they used the turn over ball and converted these into tries. As the half wore on, the score unfortunately started to mount as they ran in more tries to finish deserved victors 45-15. The score possibly doesn’t reflect the parity in possession and territory but does reflect the clinical nature in which Hastings were able to capitalize on the sniff of an opportunity and we wish them luck at the Top 4 finals.
When a team enters knock out rugby, it is always going to end only one of two ways and so the focus for the 1st XV has been around making sure we had no regrets as individuals and as a team. To have made the final is testament to this approach. All involved in the team – players, coaches and supporters – can reflect with pride on a season which returned a few trophies and a certain banner to their rightful place. The level of development as players and as young men is a reflection on the effort shown by the young men in the team and the coaches and family involved and we are thankful for all who have contributed.
Special thanks go to the White Jersey Club and to our key sponsors New Zealand Specialised Coatings, Higgins, New Zealand Travel Brokers, McDonalds, McVerry Crawford and the Verdict Café. Your contributions through the year to ensure our team has been able to focus on their rugby has been awesome and we are extremely grateful.
Points Scorers:
Penalties: Ruben Love x 5