The 1st XV traveled to Tauranga keen to build on their midweek win over New Plymouth. Conditions were perfect and so a good game was promised.
From the kick-off the Tauranga forwards seized control of the game. They were combining their size advantage with some real urgency winning the collisions and making it hard for the 1st XV to get in the game. They were rewarded with an early try from some pick and go's before weak tackling through the middle gifted them a second try and a 12-0 lead. Finally stung into action the 1st XV tried to respond but inaccuracies at crucial moments meant opportunities were wasted as they headed into the halftime break.
The halftime chat focused on the need to raise our intensity on both sides of the ball and to take the game to Tauranga.
From the restart, there was a notable change in intent but the 1st XV were hit with a sicker punch of a try to put TBC up 17-0. The tide had now turned though and the 1st XV were starting to make inroads and build some pressure. Curtis Heaphy glided over after a number of phases to reduce the deficit and it was game on. TBC responded and earned a penalty and effectively secured the game. PNBHS attacked vigorously again and were rewarded with a second try to Tom Ilston-Park.
Final Score 20-12.
Some pleasing aspects in the performance but in such a tight competition a poor first half was always going to prove costly. The team will aim to rebound as we head to Auckland in a break from S8 to play a traditional fixture against Kings on July 24th.
Scorers:
Tries: Curtis Heaphy & Tom Ilston-Park
Conversions: Curtis Heaphy
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