Coach pays tribute to opponents

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

EARTHWORK Solutions High School Old Boys came out firmly on top in their Lee Bros Shield semifinal but co-coach Jamie Hutana paid tribute to Larsawn Ngatapa’s contribution to the contest.

“It was a tight battle and it was always going to be,” he said.

“We were not patient enough at times on attack, but in the end our backs were sharper than theirs and showed their ability and extra pace.

“I thought our wingers, George Halley and Andrew Tauatevalu, were outstanding.”

Co-coach Scott Leighton could not be at the match and Hutana said he felt a bit humbled to be there on his own as coach on Saturday.

“Scotty has contributed hugely to our success today and well done to him. I know he will be thrilled that we are again in the grand final.”

Hutana paid tribute to his bench players, who all came on to make solid contributions.

“They were all massive for us today.”

HSOB skipper Jody Tuhaka said the team talked about belief before the game.

“I thought the boys stood up today and they are all stoked to make the grand final again,” he said.

“We made a goal five years ago to emerge as the best team in the competition and now we have a chance next Saturday to add to that legacy.”

Ngatapa captain Anthony Karauria said he was proud of the effort his boys put into the match.

“The opportunities were there for us, but unfortunately we were not able to take them.

“I thought we defended really well at times.”

Ngatapa coach Will Faulks said his side started the way they wanted, but did not go on with it.

“I was disappointed with the outcome, and I am sure the boys were, too. But that’s semifinals rugby.

“Sione Ngatu (No.8) was our player of the day, closely followed by Matt Cooper (No.7) and hooker Jason Jones.

“HSOB took their opportunities and we didn’t . . . simple as that. It’s all very well to make the playoffs, but we did not front up like we should have today.”

HSOB 23 (Siosiua Moala, George Halley, Andrew Tauatevalu tries; Tauatevalu con, pen, Cory Reihana pen) Ngatapa 3 (Chris Richardson pen).