Rugby: Aquinas take out low scoring final

Aquinas College celebrate after their win. PHOTO/RICK MORAN

Aquinas College First XV topped off a triumphant season on Saturday afternoon, beating Whakatane High School 5-0 in a close, tough game in the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Division One final at Rotorua International Stadium.

This was the first year the team has made division one and they did not back down from the challenge, remaining unbeaten all season.

Last week they had a home semifinal against Trident High School which they won convincingly 37-10.

The game was low scoring but by no means dull as both teams showed to be worthy finalists. Aquinas had the bulk of the territory in the first half and never gave up hope of scoring. Trident held the line well until Aronia Solomon (Year 12) crossed the line and scored the only try of the match around the half hour mark. This gave the boys much needed energy and encouragement to get them through to half time in hot dry conditions.

The second half was a test of physical and mental strength. The ball has held up in the middle of the field for the bulk of the last 40 minutes. As players got tired, substitutes were made and both sides showed their strength in depth as conditions were tough and so was the battle.

In the last 15 minutes, Whakatane gave it their all but Aquinas held up well. Whakatane supporters thought they were back on level terms in the 72nd minute but the referee called no try as the ball was held up. Whakatane kept pushing and were unlucky not to score in the final moments.

Aquinas captain Reed Wilson led the team well and put in a great performance despite having time on the sideline, due to a head knock. He came back on after medics gave the all clear and showed fantastic leadership as he carried his team to victory.

The victory is the first of its kind in the school's rugby history and Aquinas supporters went wild on the final whistle, as chants of "AC Hard" echoed around the stadium. The First XV finish the season with five trophies that demonstrate the hard work the boys have put in throughout the season.

Coach Shane Wilson said: "It has been really positive for the Aquinas community and, as the games have gone on, more people have been talking about how well the school is doing".