Gisborne Boys’ High show courage in defeat

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

Tough — that’s how it was for the Gisborne Boys’ High School first 15, who lost 26-14 to St Patrick’s College Silverstream at Westpac Stadium in Tranzit Coachlines 1st XV Festival rugby on Friday night.

“That was a courageous display without much possession,” Boys’ High coach Mark Jefferson said.

“We got it back to 19-14 and then didn’t get the rub of the green — we have a few injuries popping up because of the long campaign on the road we’ve had in the past month — but we’ve got to rally, with a big game against Palmerston North Boys’ High this Saturday.”

Silverstream struck first through a try to openside flanker Jacob Beattie seven minutes into the game. First five-eighth Sam Clarke converted from the left sideline to make it 7-0.

Gisborne lost well-performed lock Ofa Tauatevalu with a popped left shoulder in the 22nd minute, and Silverstream scored just to the left of the posts in the 26th minute through loosehead prop Chris Hemi. Clarke converted again . . . 14-0.

Boys’ High scrapped their way back into the contest in the 32nd minute. Fullback Moses Christie was brought down five metres short of the Silverstream goal-line and from the ensuing ruck, No.8 Jordan McFarlane surged through the tackle of Silverstream lock Oliver Wrigley to score. First-five Quinn Collard converted to close it to 14-7.

In the 47th minute, Silverstream scored the try of the match — a long range effort from a turnover by Boys’ High five metres from Silverstream’s line. The ball went through six pairs of hands before left wing Sivarn Owens-Agnew gave a great inside pass out of Christie’s textbook cover tackle. Reserve halfback Swayde Brightwell was on hand to take the pass and cross to make it 19-7.

Boys’ High halfback Quintony Ngatai tapped and swooped to score off a penalty awarded 10m out from the Silverstream line in the 53rd minute. Collard converted . . . 19-14.

In the 69th minute, Silverstream fullback and player of the day Rocco Berry gave a great assist off the right sideline to second-five Riley Higgins, who scored alongside the posts. Clarke’s conversion made it 26-14.

Boys’ High captain and openside flanker Dylan Hall, who had an excellent match, said his team fought hard.

“It was a good effort . . . we have our heads up going into next week’s game,” he said.

Silverstream now lead 4-3 in head-to-head contests with Gisborne Boys’ High since 2010.

“It was a very physical game to play in,” Silverstream skipper and No.8 Luke Mannix said.

“The momentum their loose forwards gave them, and Gisborne’s midfield backs — their attack from there — that was the danger. That put us under pressure.”

Silverstream head coach Tim Mannix, who played 78 games for the Wellington Lions between 1990 and 1996, was impressed by Boys’ High flanker Hall and No.8 McFarlane: “Dylan worked hard at the breakdown and in defence, while Jordan carried the ball powerfully. The Gisborne front row were strong.”

The Boys’ High first 15, second 15 and under-15s open their Super Eight campaign in Palmerston North on Saturday.