Four places up on last year’s finish

RUGBY

Their opposition won’t forget the Duane Hihi-coached Gisborne Boys’ High School under-14 rugby crew in a hurry.

GBHS, who were placed eighth in 2019, yesterday finished fourth at the Ian Colquhoun Invitational u14 tournament in Palmerston North.

They bounced back from a 31-12 loss to Hamilton in Game 1 to beat Tauranga 28-19 on Monday, and Palmerston North 14-8 on Tuesday.

Yesterday they lost the playoff for third against Hastings, 28-10.

The game against Hastings on Coronation Park’s No.1 field — which had just been used for the fifth/sixthth fixture between New Plymouth and Palmerston North — began in heavy rain.

Gisborne tighthead prop Wheturangi McGhee proved the worth of an anchor on such a day, scoring two tries.

Hastings led 14-5 at halftime.

Having played only three games before this tournament — though they played excellent rugby in the 17-12 win against Manukura and McGhee’s late try at Raukura earned them a 12-all draw with Rotorua Boys’ High — the Puna Hihi-led GBHS u14s did great things at the Colquhoun tournament.

Puna Hihi made a difference on the field as their skipper and is a capable openside flanker.

Duane Hihi said: “These boys grew as a team over the tournament, building on and improving their rugby fundamentals. It’s been a very positive experience for them.”