Rotorua retain Callaghan Memorial in Super 8 win over Gisborne Boys’ High

Gisborne Boys' High School First XV flanker Samuel Fox beats a Rotorua Boys' High player in front of Bay of Plenty referee Mark Greene in a Super 8 game at the Rectory grounds. Gisborne lost 43-12 and are back in action on Saturday against Hastings BHS in Hastings.

There’s always a lot of feeling in games between Gisborne and Rotorua boys’ high schools.

And for the sixth year since the Craig Callaghan Memorial Trophy was presented for when their First XV teams meet in the Super 8 competition, Raukura (Rotorua) have won it.

Their First XV completed a clean sweep of the four-team interschool fixture in Gisborne last weekend with a 43-12 win.

Rotorua’s Second XV won 76-5, their Under-15s 51-10 and the U14s 37-0.

Gisborne First XV captain and openside flanker James McKay (ninth minute) and right wing Anakin Ormsby-Cairns (64th) scored sensational tries.

Strongman McKay got home with a tryline heave from a lineoout drive 5 metres from the corner and first five Ruan Ludwig’s conversion levelled the score 7-all.

With Gisborne trailing 36-7, Ormsby-Cairns scored his second beauty in as many weeks - this time in the left corner off a floating long pass from winger Manawanui Stewart after lock Storm De Thier tapped and ran from a penalty.

A focused Rotorua had opened the scoring in the fifth minute of play with a 41-metre run to the line by lock Hunter Weaver.

Raulura scored seven tries to Gisborne’s two, including a double to first five Tukotahi Richards-Te Whau.

Gisborne are back in Super 8 action on Saturday against Hastings Boys’ High in Hastings.

Up for grabs will be the Norman McConnell Cup held by Hastings Akina.

Teams

Kick-off 12 noon, Gisborne BHS First XV, 1-22: Kane Soto, Max Hammond, Joshua Aukuso, Zandre Viljoen, Tahana Bristowe, Samuel Fox, James McKay (c), Frazor Wainohu, James Hamblyn, Ruan Ludwig, Manawanui Stewart, Timuaki Stewart, Kye Symes, Anakin Ormsby-Cairns, David Gray. Res: Christopher Maraki, Leaasi Tupou, Felix Sparks, Maddy Symes, Kruze Pomana, Coen-Theros Brown, Maioha Waru.

Hastings BHS First XV, 1-22: Isireli Qaranivalu, PJ Peivi, Nehemiah Lauvao, Eli Southwick, Lockie Varcoe, Marshall Landon-Lane, Vincent Kite (c), Panapa Peia, Teariki-Joseph Maui, Tana Faumuina, Tama Edwards-Butler, Panapa Lambert, Carter Ah Kiong, Raef Robinson, Gabe Dehar. Res: JJ Lilo-Iosefo, Oscar Perese, Sione Kaufononga, Mone Halaufia, France Tevita, John Lameko, Victory Voice.

Kick-off 10.30am, GBHS Under-15s, 1-22: Aric Heitonga, Maddox Poihipi, Maia Maynard, Quincee Chaffey, Maihi Allen, James Briant, Rory Gifford, Rori Fukushima-Hall (c), Jeremiah Rimene-Albrett, Mahaki Nikora-Peri, Peter Falefoou, Sakenasa Senivono, William Daveta, Kwade Matete. Res: Danius Boyder, Paula, Shae Ioane, Rautaki Stewart, Dakota Te Moananui, Rakairoa Ngatai.

HBHS Under-15s, 1-22: Genesis Taivalu (c), Sylvester Tonga’uiha, Mapusanga Papa, Junior Peia, Benny Russell, Nation Walker, Flynn Sugar, Darrell Reid, Kahn Williams, Paeraro Mikaele, Caleb Bell, Nielsen Ahoafi, Len Te Kete-Kingi jnr, Michael Sootaga, Divine Tavae. Res: Mark Mareko, Ben Pritchard, Zion Nikora, Paolo Anderton, Fineaso Manutulila, Patrick Valoaga, Jos Failauga.

Kick-off at 9am, GBHS Under-14s, 1-22: Heamaloto Tupou, Viliami Makoni, Zion Luki-Noanoa, Harrison Hawkes, Max Egan (c), Mason Williams, Noah Fox, Daniel Whaitiri, Lennox Leach, Tyson Ingoe, Ocean Fleming-Edwards, Ziya Swann, Jack Williams, Tuterangiwhiu Wanoa, BJ Gray. Res: Manase Kautai, Pahker Taumata, Jaykwan Casey, Callisto Ormsby-Cairns, Jacob Swann-Finau, Kyah Mullany, Kyran Tamatea.

HBHS Under-14s 1-22: Korey Noa,Paxton Payne, DeSean Ah Kiong, TJ Leota, Jericho McComish-Kelly, Daniel Mark-Milo, Munro Waerea, Cruze Tango (c), Eriez Bellamy, Kage Lowe, Alefa Fualaau, Dallas Filipo, Latrel Pailate, Mark Kelly, Jimmy Eriha. Res: Tini Joshuah-Brown, Ezrah Tere, Ulagia Peivi, Tama Te Kani, Liam Young, Lockie Phillips, Jahlem Tareha, Kaden Timoti-Matamata, Telzar Butler-Brown.