Te Aute in fightback for draw

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RUGBY

Just when you thought you were safe . . .

The game between Gisborne Boys’ High School under-15s and Te Aute College was a fast, open game on a firm ground in excellent conditions, with a twist in the tail of a 24-all draw.

Boys’ High played a strong first half and led 17-5 at the break with tries to loosehead prop Kitini Taihuka, fullback De-Villa Pirihi-Coutts and centre Anaru Paenga-Morgan. Paenga-Morgan also kicked two conversions in the first half.

It was 17-0 to GBHS before Te Aute struck back, their captain and prop Jovan Katene scoring just before the break to close it to 17-5.

Gisborne Boys’ High reserve loosehead prop Nathaniel Hauiti scored following the resumption for 22-5, which with first-five John Horua’s conversion made the score 24-5.

Then Te Aute fought back. Flanker Hunter Nuku scored twice in succession and lock Matariki Channings scored the last try. Nuku converted his second try and the surging effort by Channings to make it 24-all.

“Gisborne Boys’ High enjoyed more possession and better field position in the first half — they were smaller, but fitter,” Te Aute coach Ricki Baker said.

Boys’ High coach Wiremu Kaa said he was proud of his team’s effort.

“We’re just a tiny bit disappointed that we didn’t get the win, having led 24-5. Once the Te Aute boys got on a roll, they were hard to stop.”