Rugby: Tauranga boys dazzle

Tauranga Boys' captain Connor Fifita scores the opening try in the 31-18 win over Kelston Boys' High School at Nicholson Field.Photo/Andrew Warner

Tauranga Boys' College First XV produced dazzling running rugby to easily defeat Kelston Boys' High School by 31-18 at Nicholson Field on Saturday.

After a strong showing against national champions Hamilton Boys' the week before in a 0-10 defeat in the Super Eight competition, Tauranga ripped into their work early against their traditional rivals.

Kelston arrived with a typically beefy pack and dangerous ball runners, but were quickly scrambling on defence to contain Tauranga's quickfire phase play. After another charge by prop Kemble Frost, Tauranga's backs easily found space for captain Connor Fifita, who stepped through to score the opening try.

Kelston may not be having a vintage year in the Auckland 1A competition, but they are always competitive and they fought back well to close the scores with a penalty goal.

Tauranga's pacy back three, fullback Josh Honey and wingers Ryan Carroll and Harris Williams, cut some merry capers through the Kelston defence and after a Honey break, lock Salesi Leota crashed over.

Sam Takai's conversion made it 12-3 and after Kelston enjoyed their best spell on attack before halftime, Tauranga scored the try of the match. Second-five Brad Armstrong made a big tackle to turn the ball over, which was swiftly moved left to Fifita, who made a slick break, before passing to No8 Caleb Aperahama. The all-round athlete scored under the bar, after some clever interpassing with winger Williams.

Tauranga's handy 19-6 lead did not last long as Kelston lifted the intensity after the break and Tauranga lowered theirs. Two quick tries closed the gap to just 19-18 and with both teams down to 14 players after yellow cards, it was anyone's game.

Lock Matt Barnett sparked a breakout for Tauranga with a sharp break, followed by sprinter Carroll and then fullback Honey who finished in style near the posts.

Some good work by hooker Dymond Ioane put Aperahama into space, and his fine run was cut short near the line. Two rucks later, Barnett crashed over for the final try to clinch a memorable 31-18 victory.

Tauranga Boys' next Super Eight fixture against Hastings Boys' High School has been switched from this Saturday to Monday, July 28, as Hastings are overseas. Kick-off at Nicholson Field will be at midday.

Tauranga Boys' College 31 (Connor Fifita, Salesi Leota, Caleb Aperahama, Josh Honey, Matt Barnett tries; Sam Takai 2 con; Carlos Price con) Kelston Boys' High School 18