Rugby: Tauranga Boys take top class victory

Flynn Kelly had a strong game for Tauranga Boys' College against Napier Boys' High School on Saturday. Photo / Andrew Warner

Tauranga Boys' College First XV got their Super 8 campaign under way with a top class 30-18 victory over the highly regarded Napier Boys' High School team at Nicholson Field on Saturday.

This was a must-win for Tauranga after two opening round defeats away to Rotorua Boys' and New Plymouth Boys'. From the opening whistle they looked far more motivated, particularly on defence, than their opponents who upset fancied Hasting Boys last round.

An early penalty to Tauranga halfback Sam Takai got the new scoreboard ticking over, before centre Nick Adams made the decisive break to put burly prop Sammy Veikoso over. The early lead stretched to 15-3 for Tauranga after fullback Harris Williams scored the try of the match in a move begun by livewire flanker Flynn Kelly.

Napier did not help themselves with poor discipline, with both first-five (late tackle) and halfback (swearing at the referee) spending time in the bin after yellow cards from referee Pat Rae.

Winger Kini Ormsby was next to cross the line after sustained pressure in the Napier 22. With Takai's conversion, Tauranga led 22-3 with four minutes to go before the break.

But that was long enough for Napier to storm back into the game with two well-taken tries as Tauranga stepped off the defensive intensity for the only time in the game.

With the lead cut to 22-15, Tauranga began the second spell with clear plans to use the wind behind them for field position, which first-five Israel Turner delivered accurately.

Winger Steve Masters showed plenty of determination to win the race over the goal line for Tauranga's fourth bonus point try and a decisive 27-15 lead.

As the weather turned for the worse, the battle up front intensified. Watching intently on the sideline was former All Black and Tauranga Boys' First XV forward Jarrad Hoeata, home from a season playing for Cardiff Blues in Wales.

More Napier ill-discipline proved costly as they received their third yellow card after a dust-up near the Tauranga line, and Tauranga cruised home to a fine victory.

For good measure, Tauranga Boys' defeated Napier Boys' 20-17 in the early match in their Super 8 Second XV clash.

Both Tauranga Boys' Super 8 teams are at home the next two Saturdays with the visits of Palmerston North Boys' (June 27) and Hamilton Boys' (July 4).

Tauranga Boys' College 30 (Sammy Veikoso, Harris Williams, Kini Ormsby, Steve Masters tries; Sam Takai 2 cons, 2 pens) Napier Boys' High School 18.

Second XV: Tauranga Boys' College 20 Napier Boys' High School 17