The 1st XV entertained Rotorua boys as the Super 8 competition resumed following the term 2 holidays. With conditions near perfect at kick off an open, attacking game was promised.
From the kick-off, both teams were showing good intent with the ball in hand and making inroads. Rotorua were rewarded with an early penalty before PNBHS missed one of their own. From a counter-attack, PNBHS were then punished with an excellent try to Rotorua. Rotorua were using the wind well and PNBHS were caught in their own half and Rotorua added another penalty before scoring another well-worked try and suddenly the score was 18-0. PNBHS rallied and following a great lineout drive they pounded the Rotorua line and forced a penalty. From the ensuing scrum, a blindside move was converted by Braxton Wilson-Clune before an error at the kick-off gave Rotorua field position and they scored again for a 25-7 halftime lead.
The halftime chat focused on the need for us to cut out the simple mistakes, trust our systems and take the game to Rotorua and put them under pressure.
The team came out firing in the second half. A quick tap put Rotorua under pressure and PNBHS used their forwards to take the game to them. A series of pick and go’s were repelled before the ball was moved wide and following a breakdown, Joe Simpson-Smith snuck over to reduce the deficit. With their tails up PNBHS were soon back in the Rotorua 22 applying more pressure. Unfortunately, as has been the theme of the season, impatience and inaccuracies coupled with some robust Rotorua defence meant PNBHS were unable to add to the score. Unfortunately, Rotorua then added two late, well-taken tries to blow the score out and take the game.
Final Score PNBHS 1st XV 14 Rotorua Boys 1st XV 37
The team will now regroup and prepare for the Polson Banner game on Wednesday on the PNBHS number 1 field
Scorers:
Tries: Braxton Wilson-Clune, Joe Simpson-Smith
Conversions: Curtis Heaphy (2)
Thank you to our 1st XV Rugby Sponsors
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