A crowd made up mainly of Boys’ High supporters nearly filled the grandstand.They saw Boys’ High win the Bailey Cup for only the second time, the first time being in 1991.
Former All White John Hill presented the trophy to jubilant Boys’ High captain Ollie Aldridge, but early in the game it looked as if United’s goal-fest from the previous week might continue.
After six minutes, United were 2-1 up.
The first goal came two minutes into the game, when Boys’ High didn’t clear their lines in a goalmouth scramble and United centreback Jonathan Purcell smashed the loose ball into the roof of the net.
Boys’ High replied two minutes later, when winger Jack Fenn made a great run down the line and put in a pinpoint cross for midfielder Oliver Davies, who tucked the ball away to the right of United goalkeeper Al Knight.
Two minutes further in, United regained the lead. They were awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area when striker Aubrey Yates was brought down heavily. Central midfielder and free-kick specialist Aaron Graham delivered into a packed goalmouth and found Purcell on the back post. He made no mistake with a powerful header.
The game then settled down for 35 minutes. Action was end to end but neither keeper was tested during this time.
Five minutes before halftime, United looked likely to take their lead into the break, but Itman Bocchi — in one of many outbursts of encouragement — exhorted his players to renewed efforts.
Team morale lifted noticeably, confidence grew and Boys’ High took the game to United.
In the 42nd minute, midfielder Tommy Peterson put 6ft 3in striker Oscar Ruston through on goal. He hit a screamer into the top right corner of United’s goal, giving Knight no chance.
With the sides now locked at 2-2, it seemed the first-half scoring was over. It was then that Boys’ High midfielder Matt Proffit scored the goal of the match.
He beat four or five players in a magnificent solo run through the heart of the United side and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal, well beyond the outstretched hands of Knight.
Up 3-2 up at halftime, Boys’ High deserved their leadUp 3-2 up at halftime, Boys’ High deserved their lead. United had been run all over the park and the effort was taking its toll on some of them.
Boys’ High came out for the second half all fired up, and they needed to be.
United mounted wave after wave of attacks, and it was the turn of Boys’ High keeper and man of the match Regan Cameron to show his class.
Some of his saves belonged in the skill-set of a keeper well above his years and experience.
Cameron made the save of the match when United player-coach Stu Cranswick was through, one on one with the keeper.
Cranswick smashed the ball to the right side of Cameron and it looked as if he’d scored . . . until the keeper sprawled to his left, using every last inch of his frame, to make an outstanding save.
In the 83rd minute, Boys’ High scored the goal that sealed the match. Finally, Itman Bocchi could take a moment to sit down and take in just what his players were about to achieve.
It was a great solo goal by fullback Janai Randall, who ran through a tired and depleted United defence and rolled the ball into the bottom left corner.
Referee Jim Adcock let play flow and stopped it only when necessary. He brought the game to an end with only two minutes added, and the Gisborne Boys’ High School celebrations started.
Bench players and coach ran on to the field, mainly in the direction of goalkeeper Cameron.
The whole team celebrated, having just beaten a side heavily favoured to win and much more experienced than themselves. They’ll remember this for a lifetime.
Boys’ High captain Aldridge said he was proud of his team, and he thanked coach Itman Bocchi for his passion and belief.
“It was an outstanding effort by everyone today,” he said.
“We defied the odds and saved the best for last. It’s a great day for Gisborne Boys’ High School, and I am proud of all associated with the team.”
Aldridge made special mention of Proffit brothers Matt and Nic, who were drafted into the side after a season of first 15 rugby and gave everything on the day, utility player Adam Simpson and match hero Cameron.
United player-coach Cranswick said Boys’ High were the better team on the day and deserved their victory.
United captain Craig Christophers spoke highly of the Boys’ High team.
“They played very well,” he said.
“They were just too fast for us and never gave up.”
Christophers said Itman Bocchi had done a great job coaching the side, and was the mastermind behind the win.
The teams now go back to the Gisborne Championship, where they still have six games to play. They are scheduled to meet again on September 28, for their second-last league game of the season.
