Gisborne Boys’ High build on first victory

They're looking good.

The Trevor Crosby-coached Gisborne Boys’ High School under-15s beat a willing Trident High School u16 side 55-7 at Rugby Park in Whakatane on Saturday.

Gisborne’s Amenaki Henoa scored two tries, with one each to his locking partner Malakai Fakahokotau, hooker Oakley Brown-Terekia, left wing Jaydyn Tihore-Edwards, right wing Storm Henare-Brown, fullback and MVP (most valuable player) Kahurangi Leach-Waihi , reserve tighthead prop Simione Falefoau and reserve blindside flanker Felix Sparks. Gisborne Boys’ High first five-eighth Phoenix Pardoe-Crosby kicked five conversions.

The game was played in quarters, through which the visitors led 21-0, 28-7 and 40-7.

For Trident, openside flanker Ronan Byford scored a great try, which was converted by first-five-cum-fullback Joe Bateson.

Bay of Plenty referee Sean Moore kept pace with a quick and well-attended game of rugby played in ideal conditions.

GBHS captain and openside flanker Lykin Poihipi led a disciplined side and his coach was pleased that the team built on their 52-36 win against Whakatane High School in the season opener a fortnight before.

“Our boys played much better this week than they did at the Rectory, continuity-wise,” Trevor Crosby said.

“Our wingers got a lot of ball, our defence was much better — everyone played well.

“Trident were a physical team, but we moved the ball wide and our runners off-loaded in contact.

“Our MVP Kahurangi was good at fullback but also exciting at halfback.”

Trident coach Steve Byford saw his captain Cambell Martin hit the ball up with gusto and centre Rihari Biddle make some hard tackles, along with much else to be pleased with.

“We’d only trained twice before this game and the Gisborne team were fit, although I felt we competed in a physical sense,” he said.

“I’m pretty excited with what we have. With the under-14s last year, it was the same at the start but those kids won their baywide division.

“My co-coach Grant Bateson and I just have to get these guys all moving in the right direction.”

The rematch between these teams is set for the Gisborne Boys’ High School Rectory ground at 3.30pm on Friday.

GISBORNE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL UNDER-15s 55 (Amenaki Henoa 2, Simione Falefoau, Oakley Brown-Terekia, Malakai Fakahokotau, Jaydyn Tihore-Edwards, Storm Henare-Brown, Felix Sparks, Kahurangi Leach-Waihi, tries; Phoenix Pardoe-Crosby 5 conversions) Trident High School under-16s 7 (Ronan Byford try; Joe Bateson conversion).

Halftime: 28-7.