The annual fixture against Napier BHS has been eagerly anticipated by members of the 3rd XV rugby team. Especially in the week leading up to the game with all players showing up to training. Not only was this newfound enthusiasm good to see, but it also gave the team an opportunity for the first win of the season.
Outstanding performances through the midfield would see Tamati Durie-McGrath often breaking the line and presenting opportunities for Noah Paskins to get outside his opposite on numerous occasions. This led to the first try for Forbes Kennedy cutting back against play to score under the posts. Ever dependable Matthew “the boot” Ohlson would convert.
A resounding effort at the breakdown would see PNBHS maintain possession and able to apply pressure going into half-time with a 7-5 lead. Napier would keep attacking but every time inspirational captain Hayden “D-Mac” Bell would knock them over. This kept the lad’s excited with the front row club steamrolling the scrum forwards. Pick-and-go attempts close to the line would see Jack Stratford and Hayden Bell cross the line for a 19-5 win. A victory that will always be remembered for these young men.
Link to all photos: https://drive.google.com/.../1yDcg3V-vHLAbxoEolJz6p70Ct-I...
