"I think our boys can hold their heads up high. But it just goes to show you've got to take your opportunities, but you've also got to pay attention to the details and make sure you don't give them too many opportunities."
With the lead changing hands several times during the game, neither side was able to build momentum.
"That's how it is sometimes. Sometimes it take a while to warm into the game. They are a very well-coached team and a big side. It's just one of those days.
A Selesitino Ravutaumada try hat-trick was one of the highlights of Rotorua Boys' High School's win.
Ravutaumada's first came when Boys' High were leading 14-11 after he gathered his own kick-through. The Fijian's second, when his acceleration saw him outflank the defence, pushed his team back in front after a resurgent Boys' College side had taken the lead just minutes into the second half, and his third came off an inside pass from hooker Bernie Hati just moments later.
Boys' College were under pressure right from the start when the kick-off was fumbled, Tom Ale opening the scoring with a five-pointer within the first two minutes.
But penalties kept the visitors in the game, in terms of possessions and position, with Taine Craig-Ranga slotting two to bring the score to 7-6 before Kingston Langlangi burst through at the lineout to score.
Rotorua Boy's High School skipper Hayze Perham restored his side's lead, with Ravutaumada's first pushing the score out to 21-11. An obviously motivated Boys' College side was not prepared to be intimidated and scored tries either side of the half-time break to once again nudge in front.
The Fijian fullback's second-half double gave Rotorua a little breathing space with Boys' College sub Taylor Kite's try right on the whistle making the final score 35-28.
Boys High's win came on the back of their Chiefs Cup success last weekend.
"It's a good start to Super 8," said coach Ruki Tipuna. "Super 8's a hard comp and all the teams are good, Tauranga included. We're happy with the win, happy to get the points."
