“We didn’t take advantage of playing with the wind in the first half,” he said.
“And we needed to vary our attack a bit more, although second-five Niko Lauti played well and blindside flanker Ofa Tauatevalu dominated the lineout.
“Our play at set-piece was better this week.”
It rained during the game, then the sun burst through.
Gisborne Boys’ High first five-eighth Anaru Paenga-Morgan opened the scoring with a penalty goal 10 minutes into the game.
Kelston No.8 Kaleb Emile’s try in the 20th minute was not converted, and the hosts led 5-3.
Kelston blindside flanker Zyon Maiu’u scored in the 25th minute, and halfback Sam Howling converted for Kelston to go into halftime 12-3 up.
Lock Senita Lauaki scored for Kelston in the 45th minute and Howling converted for 19-3. Kelston left wing Tuuaga Ioane scored their fourth and final try in the 53rd minute and Howling converted for 26-3.
Both teams produced great physicality in defence, with the likes of Gisborne MVP (most valuable player) Lauti in the midfield and openside flanker Amos Roddick hitting hard in the tackle. That effort was rewarded with a try in the 58th minute to reserve Campbell Hall, who replaced right wing Matt Proffit in the second half. Paenga-Morgan converted to make the score 26-10.
Gisborne were awarded a penalty try (seven-points) by referee Floyd Ormsby in the 65th minute to make the final score 26-17.
Gisborne Boys’ High captain and loosehead prop Jordan McFarlane said possession was 50-50.
“Our scrum was dominant; it’s just a few little things we need to work on.”
The sole try-scorer for the Gisborne second 15 in their 52-5 loss yesterday was No.8 Sitiveni Tuilautala.
The u15s’ try-scorers were hooker Wiremu Maxwell and second-five Xavier Henare, with centre John Horua kicking one conversion.
The GBHS u14s’ try-scorers were left wing Teancum Aupouri and fullback Brody Millar, with centre Luka Russell converting both tries.
