“We had to fight in a tough game until the last minute. Either team could have won it.
“I'm proud of the effort that we've put in this season. I'm hoping we'll carry on this streak up to Hamilton Boys' High this Saturday, where we'll play our second to last Super 8 game.”
St Peter's co-captain and openside flanker Jayden Reed won the toss and chose to play from the school towards the Rectory, GBHS receiving the kick-off with the wind at their backs in rain that fell until well into the second half.
St Peter's had 60 percent possession in the first half and 65 percent field position with the home team dominant at the scrum. GBHS openside flanker Jimmy Moore and lock Latrell Walker were superb at the lineout, Walker winning ball against the throw regularly.
Gisborne loosehead prop Malosi Lufalealo made some telling tackles. Blindside flanker Keegan Jooste was strong in both the tackle and with ball in hand.
The score at the break was nil-all.
St Peter's rake Uelelima Fifita opened the scoring with a try in the 40th minute. The conversion by first five-eighth Nico Mu made it 7-0.
GBHS fullback Gibson Poi scored 51 minutes in, halfback Kauri Christie converting his try for the hosts to draw level.
St Peter's reserve tighthead prop Xavier Schwalger-Setefano scored their second try an hour into the game and, without a conversion, the blue-and-golds led 12-7.
In the 65th minute, following a succession of pick-and-go plays, referee Terry Reeves gave Gisborne a penalty try.
That automatic seven-point award made the score 14-12 for a win to GBHS.
In the under-15 match, Gisborne coach Trevor Crosby was pleased with his much-improved team's “awesome” energy, commitment and solidity in defence, noting their efforts to play dry-weather rugby in wet conditions.
St Peter's fullback Tua Tapua'i-Soti, 13, scored the only try of the first half seven minutes in, which with first-five Matt Harris's conversion gave the visitors a 7-0 lead at the break.
In the 55th minute, St Peter's reserve left wing Christian Roache scored the second and last try of the match for a 12-0 win to St Peter's.
Their coach, deputy headmaster Grant Hansen, relayed the delight of the entire St Peter's travelling party in such popular features of the exchange as billeting.
“Our boys had a great time,” he said.
Hansen spoke of the referee for the u15 fixture — Civil Project Solutions Poverty Bay Weka head coach Miah Nikora — in glowing terms.
“His game-sense and understanding were brilliant in conditions where the whistle might have dominated.
“He's right up there with the best we've had this season.”
Boys' High u14s starting scrum-anchor Patelesio Tavake scored two tries for the Richard Brown-coached team in an MVP (most valuable player) performance to remember.
St Peter's won the u14s match 20-12, the visitors having led 10-7 at halftime. Tighthead prop-cum-blindside flanker Tavake's first try was converted by first-five Messiah Tiopira.
