Hawkes Bay Schoolboy Rugby
-
<p>Nepia and Gibbit will be well pleased with that result (even more meritorious with it being an away fixture) as will Stockcar86 at his outfit's spin out in form with a victory over a very good Gisborne side.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Looks like it will be a fiercely contested clash in Akina next weekend when the two sides front up against each other!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11655567'>http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay-today/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503460&objectid=11655567</a></p> -
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Results 18/6:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Super 8</strong></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">Hastings BHS 25, Napier BHS 3</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">Hamilton BHS 50, Palmerston North BHS 0</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">Tauranga BC 28, New Plymouth BHS 24</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">Rotorua BHS 24, Gisborne BHS 19</span></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After 2 rounds, Hastings at the top of the table with the same number of points as Rotorua, but a better points differential.</p>
<p>Napier in bottom 3.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color:#333333;">Central North Island</span></strong></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">Lindisfarne College 15, St. Peter’s, Cambridge 38</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">Feilding HS 11, St Paul’s Collegiate 19</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">Francis Douglas 29, Wesley College 24</span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">Wanganui Collegiate 29, Rathkeale College 12</span></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#333333;">After 3 rounds, Lindisfarne in the bottom 3, and St John's at the absolute bottom of the table (St John's with only 2 games played; they had the bye this weekend).</span></span></span></p> -
<p>Played 10, won 10, so far this year for Hastings BHS, I believe.</p>
-
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p><strong><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">HURRICANES UNDER-18 SQUAD NAMED FOR COACHING CAMP</span></span></span></strong><br><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">23.06.2016</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">Sixty players have been selected for the Hurricanes Under-18 coaching camp in Masterton for a week of high performance coaching and life education skills.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">The four-day camp will include sessions with a range of top provincial coaches as well as the Hurricanes Investec Super Rugby coaching staff headed by Chris Boyd and John Plumtree.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">The</span> <span style="color:#000000;"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/fileadmin/images/News/Hurricanes_U18_Camp_-Selected_Players.pdf'><strong><em><span style="color:#333333;">Hurricanes Under-18 squad</span></em></strong> </a>chosen for the four-day camp represents a wide spread of talent from across the Hurricanes region with schools represented in Wellington (19), Hawke's Bay (14), Poverty Bay (9), Manawatu (5), Whanganui (4), East Coast (2), Horowhenua and Wairarapa Bush (1 each).</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">Hastings Boys High School will be the school most heavily represented at the camp with ten players, followed by Gisborne Boys High School (9), Palmerston North Boys High School (5) and Rongotai College (4).</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">The squad also includes two players from Auckland's St Kentigern's College in halfback Carlos Price and lock/loose forward Te Ahiwaru Cirikidevita, who are selected under their provincial banners of Wellington and East Coast respectively.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">Hurricanes Under-18 convenor of selectors Darren Larsen said it was an extremely tough job trying to sort through 257 nominations.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"We are very lucky with the amount of talented young players in the region and we've been impressed by the quality of the rugby we've seen this season, but it certainly makes it tough for the selectors.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"Every provincial union in the region has a selector and I'm are confident they've been very thorough in identifying our best young talent. </span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"But I would also say that this squad is only one pathway and history has shown that players who miss out at this stage can still achieve their goals and make it to New Zealand representative teams or Super Rugby by continuing to push their case on the field.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">The 60-strong squad will assemble in Masterton on Sunday, July 10.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">Following the camp, 23 players will be selected to travel to Christchurch to play the Crusaders Under-18s at AMI Stadium on Saturday, July 16 as the curtain raiser to the Hurricanes-Crusaders Investec Super Rugby match.</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;">"It's also worth noting that players who do not attend the camp can still be selected in the final team."</span></span></span><br>
<br><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:#000000;"> <strong><em><span style="color:#333333;"><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/fileadmin/images/News/Hurricanes_U18_Camp-Selected_Players.pdf'>To see the full squad click here</a></span></em></strong></span></span></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p> <br><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Clsu4TyVYAIIB8.jpg" alt="Clsu4TyVYAIIB8_.jpg"><br>
<br><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/hurricanes-under-18-squad-named-for-coaching-camp/'>http://www.hurricanes.co.nz/the-canes/news/single/item/hurricanes-under-18-squad-named-for-coaching-camp/</a></p> -
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Results 25/6:</span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Super 8</strong></span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Napier BHS 12, </span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tauranga BC 7</span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Gisborne BHS 7, </span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hastings BHS 22</span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rotorua BHS 25, </span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Hamilton BHS 18</span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">New Plymouth BHS 16</span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">, Palmerston North BHS 11</span></span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">Central North Island</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Feilding HS 29, </span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Lindisfarne College 10</span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanganui Collegiate</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> 65, St John's, Hastings 0</span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">St. Peter’s, Cambridge 13, </span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">St Paul’s Collegiate 19</span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rathkeale College</span><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> 10, </span></span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Francis Douglas 32</span></p>
<p style="color:rgb(40,40,40);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">Bye: Wesley College</span></span></p> -
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Super 8</strong><br>
Hastings 39 v Rotorua 12<br>
TBC 19 v Palmerston North 17<br>
Hamilton BHS 55 v Napier BHS 12<br>
Gisborne 22 v New Plymouth BHS 14</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"> </p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"><span>Hastings far ahead of the rest on the Super 8 table after beating no. 2 Rotorua today! Can't wait to find out how they're going to do against schools from other regions/competitions. Could this be their year to win the national final?</span></p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"> </p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a class="" href="https://www.facebook.com/Central-North-Island-1st-XV-Rugby-1592148234402381/"><span style="color:#000000;">Central North Island 1st XV Rugby</span></a><span style="color:#000000;"> </span></strong><br>
Feilding High 56 v Rathkeale College 7<br>
Francis Douglas 22 v St. Peter's School 31<br>
St. John's College 0 v Wesley College 60<br>
Wanganui Collegiate 18 v Lindisfarne 17</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"> </p>
<p style="color:rgb(29,33,41);">Okay, Lindisfarne hasn't been great, but St John's has been utterly terrible thus far. How are schools selected for this competition? I wonder whether it's time to replace St John's with another HB school? </p> -
<p>Cheers for the update Stargazer. They're looking good. Considering they've rolled the best that Wellington have got, all the Super 8 so far and the odd Auckland 1A team they've played this is easily shaping up as the best years since Hika and Alby in 2003/4ish. Hopefully they can keep the form going at least until the Top 4 (and winning the Super 8 of course).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The Central North Island schools were originally a self formed group of teams in the Super 8 region - I'm not sure how they're selected as I don't remember Wesley being there originally. I doubt any other HB school will do any better - the coeds can't be too strong at the moment as Napier Boys and the 3 Hastings boys schools must suck up all the talent.</p> -
<p>This is the first year that Wesley has been included in the CNI comp. They've just added a team without throwing one out, so now each week one team has a bye. No idea how that came about and why.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've never seen them play, but how good/bad are schools like Wairoa or Te Aute?</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="593476" data-time="1467443014">
<div>
<p>This is the first year that Wesley has been included in the CNI comp. They've just added a team without throwing one out, so now each week one team has a bye. No idea how that came about and why.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've never seen them play, but how good/bad are schools like Wairoa or Te Aute?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>No idea about Wairoa but expect they'll be pretty bad. Te Aute don't have the roll to be competitive anymore.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Make sense for Wesley to join, they're shut out of Auckland and Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua are all in Super 8. I expect Wesley to win this comp a few times.</p> -
<p>From today's <em>Dominion Post</em> ...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hastings BHS starting to gather headlines. No doubt the vultures (euphemism for provincial scouts) will be interested in having a look. Hopefully the Hawke's Bay RU will be in first.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/81844685/theyre-not-the-strongest-biggest-or-fastest-but-hastings-boys-first-xv-is-unbeaten'>http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/81844685/theyre-not-the-strongest-biggest-or-fastest-but-hastings-boys-first-xv-is-unbeaten</a></p> -
<p><strong>Super 8</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Results 9/7:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Napier BHS 24 v 23 Rotorua BHS</span><br><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hamilton BHS 26 v 15 Tauranga BC</span><br><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hastings BHS 32 v 3 New Plymouth BHS</span><br><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Palmerston North 27 v 29 </span><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Gisborne BHS (played on 28 May)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thanks to Napier beating Rotorua, Hastings is now certain of a spot in the Super 8 final. Funny thing is that Hastings' last opponent in the round robin, Hamilton, is also the most likely opponent for the final.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><span>Central North Island</span></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span>Results 9/7:</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Wesley 13 v 3 Lindisfarne</span><br><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">St John's default to Feilding</span></p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">St. Paul's Collegiate 36 v 14 Francis Douglas</span></p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">St Peter's, Cambridge 25 v 12 Rathkeale (played on 28 May)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Looks like a season to forget for both Bay teams.</span></p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="595653" data-time="1468110447">
<div>
<p><strong>Super 8</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Results 9/7:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Napier BHS 24 v 23 Rotorua BHS</span><br><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hamilton BHS 26 v 15 Tauranga BC</span><br><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Hastings BHS 32 v 3 New Plymouth BHS</span><br><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Palmerston North 27 v 29 </span><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Gisborne BHS (played on 28 May)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Thanks to Napier beating Rotorua</strong>, Hastings is now certain of a spot in the Super 8 final. Funny thing is that Hastings' last opponent in the round robin, Hamilton, is also the most likely opponent for the final.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Central North Island</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Results 9/7:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Wesley 13 v 3 Lindisfarne</span><br><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">St John's default to Feilding</span></p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">St. Paul's Collegiate 36 v 14 Francis Douglas</span></p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">St Peter's, Cambridge 25 v 12 Rathkeale (played on 28 May)</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Looks like a season to forget for both Bay teams.</span></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>Thanks to Hastings winning all their games is more accurate - typical Napier Boys trying to steal all the glory even in their average years. ;)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>WTF is up with St Johns? You don't default in these competitions, that's just poor form.</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Nepia" data-cid="595668" data-time="1468113976">
<div>
<p>Thanks to Hastings winning all their games is more accurate - typical Napier Boys trying to steal all the glory even in their average years. ;)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>WTF is up with St Johns? You don't default in these competitions, that's just poor form.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Obviously, Hastings reach the finals due to all their wins this season. But it is thanks to Napier beating Rotorua, that they are already certain of their spot in the final <em>this </em>week, instead of next week. Napier beating Rotorua was not at all expected, considering they have indeed been quite average since 2014. I think they deserve a tiny little pat on the back for that win. :yes:</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Stargazer" data-cid="595671" data-time="1468114642">
<div>
<p>Obviously, Hastings reach the finals due to all their wins this season. But it is thanks to Napier beating Rotorua, that they are already certain of their spot in the final <em>this </em>week, instead of next week. Napier beating Rotorua was not at all expected, considering they have indeed been quite average since 2014. I think they deserve a tiny little pat on the back for that win. :yes:</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>I'll have pins inserted in my testicles before I give Napier Boys a tiny pat on the bat for that win!</p> -
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote" data-author="Higgins" data-cid="597526" data-time="1468720657">
</span></span></p>
<div>
<p>Passed through Pukehou yesterday and noticed the TV cameras were there at Te Aute College. Anyone have any idea of who they played and the result?</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I watched their game v Wanganui Collegiate on the Rugby Channel on Saturday. I feared the worst because the commentators said that Te Aute got smashed by Wanganui in May (55-3), but another crushing defeat didn't happen.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite Te Aute losing 27-40 (HT 15-20), they played a good game! Players standing out for Te Aute were the brothers Logan (no. and Tristan Flutey, Iziah Montgomery (centre) and Aakuira Wi-Neera (first-five).</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've Sky, there's a replay of the game tonight on Sky Sport 1 at 5.00pm or the Rugby Ch at 9.30pm (there are more replays over the next few days at less convenient times).</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Highlights video:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">[media]
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And Te Aute's post-match haka:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">[media] </span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Edited to add a brief review of the game I found on Facebook:</span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="ipsBlockquote">
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color:rgb(29,33,41);">WANGANUI & TE AUTE PRODUCE TEN TRY THRILLER!</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanganui Collegiate: 40 (Luke Forster, Zac Simpson, Harry Symes, Reuben Kellow, Matthew Simes, Opetini Dryden tries; Codi Hemi 2 con, 2 pen) Te Aute College: 27 (Logan Flutey, Tristan Flutey, Ricki Baker, Iziah Montgomery tries; Aakuira Wi-Neera 2 con, 1 pen)</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanganui Collegiate have withstood a spirited challenge to win their annual traditional fixture against Te Aute College 40-27 on Land Rover First XV rugby.</span></span></p>
<div style="font-family:helvetica, arial, sans-serif;color:rgb(29,33,41);">
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Te Aute was a vastly improved side from that which lost 55-3 to Wanganui earlier this season.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Te Aute made a fiery opening. They were able punch holes in the Wanganui defense with their hard and direct running close to the ruck. The hosts collected the first eight points.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">First-five Aakuira Wi-Neera opened the scoring in the fourth minute when he kicked a penalty. Midway through the first-half No.8 Logan Flutey crossed for a try in the corner after multiple phases and a skillful pass in traffic by fullback Iziah Montgomery.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Wanganui midfield off Zac Simpson and Opetini Dryden proved repeatedly illusive and a break by the former in the 21st minute helped Wanganui enter the Te Aute 22 and score their first points via a penalty to first-five Codi Hemi.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In the 24th minute Wanganui hooker Joe Hazelhurst burst 40-meters down the touchline to commence a raid on the Te Aute line which ended with a try for winger Luke Foster. Dryden then charged 30-meters and offloaded to Simpson for Wanganui's second try.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Te Aute second-five Tauawhi Bonilla showed he too could cause problems in midfield. He busted two tackles and surged 50-meters before linking with Montgomery who tied the scores with a try under the sticks.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Crucially Wanganui took a 20-15 lead into halftime when Te Aute failed to find touch from a 22 dropout and wing Harry Symes broke some weak tackles and dashed 45-meters to cross.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanganui struck first in the second-half when a quick tap by halfback Josh Lennox captured Te Aute in retreat. Seven phases later and blindside Reuben Kellow rumbled over.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In the 59th minute Wanganui put the game out of Te Aute's reach when Lennox darted short-side and put Harry Symes in the clear. Symes drew the last Te Aute defender and Matthew Simes scored under the posts.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Down 32-15, Te Aute never stopped trying. Reserve Ricki Baker scored a try when Bonilla offloaded in contact again and the outstanding Montgomery sprinted 25-meters close to fulltime.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Wanganui had the last say when man of the match Dryden crashed over from short range.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family:inherit;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Te Aute preformed a stirring shirtless haka after the game. What their performance lacked in polish was more than compensated for in heart. Te Aute and Wanganui are no longer the powerhouse schools they used to be, but this was schoolboy football at its best. Two traditional schools giving it heaps.</span></span></p>
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<a data-ipb='nomediaparse' href='https://www.facebook.com/1stXVrugby/posts/1188362051203417'>https://www.facebook.com/1stXVrugby/posts/1188362051203417</a></blockquote> -
<p><strong>Super 8</strong></p>
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<p>Results 30/7:</p>
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<div>New Plymouth BHS 29 - 7 Napier BHS</div>
<div>Tauranga BC 10 - 29 Hastings BHS</div>
<div>Hamilton BHS 30 - 3 Gisborne BHS</div>
<div>Rotorua BHS 48 - 30 Palmerston North BHS</div>
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<div>Hastings tops the table (29 points), followed by Hamilton (26 points). Hastings has won all its games, Hamilton has booked on loss. Saturday 6/8 is the last round robin game, between Hastings and Hamilton at Hastings! Both teams are already certain of a spot in the final, so they play each other again in 2 weeks.</div>
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<div><strong>Central North Island</strong></div>
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<div>Results 30/7:</div>
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<div>St John’s, Hastings 10 - 52 Francis Douglas</div>
<div>Wesley College 24 - 6 Wanganui Collegiate</div>
<div>St. Peter’s, Cambridge 17 - 12 Feilding HS</div>
<div>Rathkeale College 7 - 45 St Paul’s Collegiate</div>
<div>Bye: Lindisfarne College</div>
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<div>Two more rounds to play, but St John's - having lost all its games - are already certain of the wooden spoon (9th place). Lindisfarne will also want to forget this season, sitting at 7th place.</div>
<div>St Paul's Collegiate (Hamilton) goes on top (28 points), followed by Feilding (25) and St Peter's (Cambridge, 22).</div>
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<p>Hastings boys having an amazing year from all accounts reminds me of 04' (when I was on the receiving end). Hopefully they don't choke in the national semi's like they did then! Man what a fall from grace for St Johns over the years! </p>
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<p>It must be hard for St Johns these days. Back in my day they'd get all the good Catholic rugby players and were competitive with Hastings/Napier etc.</p>
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<p>Now, any one who is good is going to Hastings, or Lindersfarne if they have money or scholarship, or Napier if they get boarding for free.</p>
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<p>I wonder how much of a powerhouse Hastings would have been over the years if Hastings only had the one boys school like Napier? ;)</p>