Home > Sports > Recent News And Results > Super 8 Rugby v Hamilton BHS

Super 8 Rugby v Hamilton BHS

Top marks to the Hastings Boys High School 1st XV rugby players ... you did yourselves and the school proud on Saturday.  They went into their home game against  unbeaten 2010 Super 8 champions Hamilton Boys' High School with just one Super 8 victory  this season.  Not only were they up against the world champions but a team with 1400 more students than their school to pick from.  This didn't stop the hosts from establishing a 13-11 halftime lead before eventually losing 25-18.

"It was a fantastic effort from our boys. They displayed plenty of heart and guts," said Hastings coach Tony McBride.  "We had opportunities to draw the game," he added.

He was right, too. His troops overcooked a couple of scoring opportunities during the final quarter and at the final whistle the only difference between the two sides, apart from Hamilton's seven-point winning margin, was the visitors' superior composure when under pressure.

The Hastings forwards punched well above their weight. Most of the Hastings forwards would have conceded 15kg to their respective opponents.  Tighthead prop Morgan Sali, blindside flanker Cameron Nicol and No 8 Darcy Strickland were all prominent in the host pack.  Fullback Shannon Chase was outstanding in the Hastings backline.

Strickland and Timo Vaiusu, who had stints in both midfield positions, scored the hosts tries and Chase kicked two penalties and a conversion.  Should Hamilton Boys' High School win their next two matches against Rotorua Boys' High School and Wesley College they will quality for the national top four competition.  Should they win the top four they will be national champions and world champions in the same year.

Story Courtesy of Hawke's Bay Today