Boys’ High teams take it on the chin

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They took it on the chin.

The Gisborne Boys’ High School first 15, second 15, under-15s and u14s came up against high-quality opposition at St Peter’s College on Saturday. The home teams prevailed 4-0.

The Gisborne teams’ losses were: first 15, 46-0; second 15, 19-7; u15s, 22-5; and u14s, 54-5.

Gisborne Boys’ High try-scorers were second 15 first five-eighth Bryan Howard (who converted his own first-half try), u15s fullback John Horua and u14s fullback Kaiaio Kerekere-Tangira.

Second 15 No.8 Nik Patumaka, u15s fullback John Horua and u14s reserve tighthead prop Simione Latu were named their teams’ MVP (most valuable player).

First 15 head coach Mark Jefferson said their game was a struggle on both attack and defence. He paid tribute to the efforts of dual MVPs openside flanker Amos Roddick and centre Braedyn Grant.

St Peter’s centre Jericho Asi opened the scoring with a try one minute 30 seconds into the first 15 clash, and made it a double in the 30th minute. His 15-year-old brother, fullback Jeremiah Asi, also scored twice in St Peter’s eight-try haul. The hosts led 24-0 at halftime.

“They were strong at scrum-time but we were in control for most of the game, having scored two tries very early on,” said St Peter’s coach Walter Avarez, whose team won the Top 4 in 2018.

The Gisborne Boys’ High first 15 and second 15 will be in action in Gisborne at the Rectory on Saturday against Super 8 foes Hamilton Boys’ High.

Hamilton have — like Rotorua Boys’ High School — won four and lost one of their games. They are third on the table. Rotorua are in second spot with a better for-and-against points record, and having beaten Hamilton 18-13 in Round 3.

The unbeaten Hastings Boys’ High first 15 are at the top of the Super 8 table. Gisborne Boys’ High have yet to record a win five games in.