Hamilton Boys' unbeaten run comes to an end
23rd June 2011 11:52AM
By Hamish Forsman
Hamilton Boys' High School suffered their first Super Eight defeat in two years, losing 24-5 to Palmerston North Boys' High School last week.
It was also Hamilton Boys' first defeat this season, ending a 13-match unbeaten run which included their Sanix World Youth tournament victory in Japan.
In wet and muddy conditions in Palmerston North it was a tough day to construct much attacking rugby but Hamilton Boys' coach Nigel Hotham said Palmerston North played very well and deserved their win.
The hosts moved the ball well and created good opportunities in the tricky conditions to outscore Hamilton BHS four tries to one, with hooker Cameron Moorby getting Hamilton's consolation try in the second half.
Hotham said the Super Eight was still wide open with Gisborne Boys' High School the only undefeated team after two rounds, although to retain their title Hamilton Boys' were likely going to need to win their remaining five games.
Hamilton Boys' next Super Eight game is at home this weekend against Chiefs region rivals Rotorua Boys' High School. The match kicks off at noon.
Meanwhile, St Paul's beat St John's 38-22 in an exciting match featuring 10 tries in the latest round of Waikato secondary school division one rugby.
Hosts St Paul's opened up a 28-5 lead by halftime and although St John's finished strongly to win the second half the result was never in doubt.
St John's were the first to score when a slick backline movement resulted in a try to wing Keegan Faria after just five minutes, but St Paul's slowly got into their work and scored four tries in a 20-minute burst to wrap up the bonus point before halftime.
St Paul's capitalised on basic errors from St John's with captain/flanker Hadleigh May (2), first-five Josh Fawcett and second-five Lachlan Cooper scoring tries, all converted by fullback Jonty Rae.
St John's responded well in the second half and played with more discipline and control, led by standout loose forward Matthew Staijen, and scored three well constructed tries from hooker Tyson Ball, halfback Dylan Bower and second five Niko Malo to secure a bonus point. However, St Paul's scored two more tries, through Rae and loose forward Hamish Mahon, to ensure the match was always safe.
Cambridge High recorded a 17-7 win away to Hamilton Boys' High 3rd XV as both teams struggled to play attacking rugby in tough conditions.
The match was dominated by the forwards with both teams organised on defence but Cambridge were always in control, scoring three tries and bombing several others.
Halfback Brogan Bayliss, No 8 Isaac van der Valk and second-five Jono Feast were the try scorers for the visitors.
St Peter's were far too good for visiting Tokoroa High last Thursday, cruising to a 62-5 win. Prop Josh Davey, the standout player for St Peter's, and first-five Wharenui Hawera each scored two tries, while No 8 George Forster had a strong game.
Other scores:
Division 2: Matamata 21 Te Awamutu 20, Morrinsville 15 Fraser High 5, Hillcrest 15 Hamilton Boys' High 4th XV 15.
Division 3: Fairfield 19 Te Kuiti 7, Taumarunui 10 Putaruru 5, Forest View 17 St Paul's 2nd XV 10.
