PNBHS hosted Napier in the annual Polson Banner match. With both schools desperate for a victory and in near perfect conditions a fantastic game was promised.
Both schools had early attacks that resulted in converted penalties and a tight game was promised. Unfortunately, errors began to creep into the PNBHS game and this allowed Napier to dominate the field position. Once they were in the PNBHS 22 their monstrous forward pack went to work and they were rewarded with 3 tries from pick and go’s and a further penalty to leave the halftime score at 27-3
The halftime chat focused on the need for us to improve our error rate, square up and make some shots on defence and give ourselves an opportunity to play some rugby.
The boys responded well and immediately forced the play in the second half and were rewarded with a well-taken try by Leo Gordon. More pressure followed and Javahn Stevenson crashed over and the deficit was reduced to 10. Napier however, showed great composure and they used their forward pack effectively to quell any momentum and see out the game.
Final Score PNBHS 1st XV 17 Napier Boys 1st XV 27
Obviously, a very disappointing result for the 1st XV but the second half showed what this team is made of and we will dust ourselves off and get ready for a rematch in Napier as part of the National knockout competition on the 21st September.
Scorers:
Tries: Leo Gordon & Javahn Stevenson
Conversions: Curtis Heaphy (2)
Penalties: Curtis Heaphy
Thank you to our 1st XV Rugby Sponsors
