GBHS opens campaign with strong start

READY TO FEND: Gisborne Boys’ High School midfield backs Le Trey Haeata (left) and Nathan Rangihuna, pictured in the match against Wellington College, were in good form against Palmerston North Boys’ High at the weekend. Gisborne won the Super 8 match 29-27. Picture by Paul Rickard

GISBORNE Boys’ High School first 15 opened their Super 8 rugby campaign with a 29-27 win against Palmerston North Boys’ High in Palmertson North at the weekend.

Ngati Porou Seafoods GBHS trailed 13-7 at halftime but a “rev-up” from their coaches had the desired effect.

“We had the wind behind us for the first half but didn’t use the conditions well enough,” backs coach Mark Jefferson said.

“To their credit, the boys responded really well and for the next 25 minutes we dominated, scoring two converted tries and a penalty, before letting Palmerston back into the game with some late points.”

Hooker Colby Putnam continued his impressive form with another strong performance. His first-half try was converted by first five-eighth Austin Brown.

Tries and conversionsBrown, lock Tyler Symon-Burke and No.8 Quade Tapsell also scored tries, with Brown converting two and kicking a penalty.

The win was marred by an ankle injury to skipper and openside flanker Naera Tipoki, who will miss tomorrow’s interschool fixture against Auckland’s Sacred Heart College.

“The rest of the team came through the Palmerston game OK,” Jefferson said.

Although not on the scoresheet, lock Gabe Te Kani, prop Sam Matenga and midfield backs Le Trey Haeata and Nathan Rangihuna played well.

“It was a good win,” Jefferson said.

Following the Sacred Heart game, Gisborne host Te Aute College in another interschool fixture on Saturday.

Gisborne then resume their Super 8 programme with an away game against Napier Boys’ High School on June 11.