Hawkes Bay Schoolboy Rugby
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St John's beat Hato Pāora today, but I don't know the score (yet).
This was the squad:
Another Campbell at halfback. I wonder whether he's a younger brother of halfback Brad Campbell, who's in the Highlanders U20 WTG (and last year's 1st XV captain).
This article was posted on the St John's website a few hours ago:
Professional rugby player kicks goals for St. John’s College students
St. John’s College’s new Rugby Institute Coach Sam McNicol’s passion runs deep for educating up and coming players both on and off the field.
Although he has hung up his boots for the foreseeable future due to a string of injuries, the former Hawke’s Bay, Chiefs and Hurricanes fullback says the opportunity to take up the role was something he couldn’t turn down.
“I didn't think twice about it because I really enjoy working with that age group. You see the most gains in the development of a rugby player who is around that early teen to mid-teen stage.”
Alongside his role with St. John’s College, Sam is a Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union Secondary Schools Rugby Development Officer.
Sam credits his success as a rugby player to the development he received during his formative years and hopes to replicate that for the young SJC players.
“Personally, I think a lot of my development as a rugby player happened during secondary school. That’s probably where I made the most improvements to then move onto a professional level.”
His career highlights include making his Super Rugby debut as a 19-year-old for the Hurricanes against the Chiefs and then playing for the Chiefs in a winning match against Wales.
In his new role, Sam is in charge of the Year 9 and 10 players involved in the College’s Rugby Institute.
“Being able to give back in this area is awesome. I really want to unlock a few capabilities so that they can perform, and potentially realise their dreams.”
He says the rugby programme at St. John’s College is in really good stead.
“My goal for these boys once they finish through the Under 15s and institute grades is to be capable and really promising young First XV players who can represent the school well.”
However, he believes their attitude off the field is just as important to achieving success on the field.
“It’s about being really diligent, having a good work ethic, and an open mind, and being willing to listen, take constructive criticism and move forward with it.”
Acting principal Willy Kirsten says Sam is an excellent addition to the school’s rugby foundation.
“We are delighted to have Sam on board. He has a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will no doubt aid in our boys’ development and inspire them both on and off the field.” -
Napier Boys' line-up for tomorrow's game.
Livestream: https://sideline.live/play/17055
I've given up on Hastings Boys'. No info about their game v St Pat's Silverstream, whatsoever. Maybe in their Old Boys FB group, but that's a private group, so I can't see their posts.
Anyway, also kick-off at 1.00pm.
Livestream: https://sideline.live/play/17054 -
Napier Boys are the first to score. I think it was their left winger who scored in the corner. Try assist from no. 8 Ratcliffe.
Less than a minute later, there's a try to Hastings Boys in the right corner. Didn't see who scored.
Napier leads 5 - 0.
Hastings leads 7 - 0
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Napier again all the possession. Great break from one of their bigger players, excellent tackle from one of the Town players, but Napier still in possession. New attack following. One-way traffic.
Hastings Boys is also close to Stream's try line again.
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Great break from one of the Hastings' players, to no avail. He spills the ball in the tackle. It's half time.
Napier's left winger scores again! The conversion is good, and it's half time. (The Hastings game is about 4 minutes ahead now)
Half time:
St Pat's Silverstream 0 - 12 Hastings Boys'
St Pat's Wellington 0 - 29 Napier Boys'
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Hastings Boys' under pressure now, near their try line. Boys not happy with some of the officiating.
An then ... a brilliant break from the Hastings Boys' left winger who scores a length-of-the-field try in the right corner! Awesome!
Napier Boys score again in the other game. One of the big boys, I think the LH prop. The conversion is good.
Hastings Boys' lead 19 - 0
Napier Boys' lead 36 - 0
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What has been very noticeable in the Napier Boys' game is that their workrate and speed is so much higher than Town's. Add to that the difference in skills, and then you have a large part of the explanation for the score.
In the other game, Stream is working is really hard, just like Hastings. Handling errors and decision-making is the biggest difference.
I jinxed it before posting this. Big break from a Town player and they score their first try under the sticks.
36 - 7 Napier Boys'
