Tough assignment for GBHS

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

Local fans won’t see the Gisborne Boys’ High School first 15 in action here until June 25.

Those up to the drive from Gisborne to Waipatu, Hastings tomorrow can see GBHS take on Feilding High School at Elwood Park from 12.30pm, that clash to be preceded by the second 15 fixture at 11am.

Gisborne Boys’ High have won two games at their Rectory ground so far this season: they beat Lindisfarne College 36-8 and St Paul’s Collegiate School 8-7.

After the toughest season in the school’s illustrious rugby history, those results and last month’s 41-0 win against Western Heights High School were a blessed relief to the team’s supporters.

Hard work and high standards are expected of the Gisborne Boys’ High first 15, as is sharpness in execution. Those things have been glimpsed and if they all come together tomorrow, head coach Duane Hihi will be pleased.

“We’re excited to play strong opposition in Feilding because they’ve beaten Super 8 schools Hastings (20-12) and New Plymouth (29-5),” Hihi said.

“We’ve made ball retention a focal point this week, with another being to finish off the opportunities that we create.”

Feilding are coming off a 24-14 win against St Patrick’s College Silverstream in Wellington on April 15. They are led by hooker Vernon Bason and contain 16 returning players.

Feilding High School coach Justin Lock has coached smart and well to raise his squad’s standard and depth.

“The boys’ effort has been great so far this season,” he said.

“We’ve ‘won ugly’, but those wins have inspired confidence. We’ve had a good break from the game; now we’re keen to get out on to the pitch.”

Feilding won their last clash with Gisborne 17-10 on May 8, 2021. Gisborne Boys’ High first five-eighth Carlos Hihi, now co-captain with tighthead prop Nathaniel Hauiti, scored in the 56th minute of a match that drew some 200 to Whitmore Park, Napier.

With no restrictions on numbers attending tomorrow, a Sunday match in 15 degrees should draw over 300 spectators.

The referee for the first 15 fixture tomorrow will be 21-year-old apprentice signwriter Max Lancaster, a fourth-year official who in 2021 played fullback for the Clive Colts. The referee for the second 15 match is ex-senior sergeant Luke Shadbolt, a former vice-president of the New Zealand Police Association, now self-employed.

GISBORNE BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL first 15: Lathaneal Niwa-Karakia, Boston Morete, Nathaniel Hauiti (co-captain), Kaia Gate, Zeke Collier, Braith Ingram, Ben Phelps, Dylan Bronlund, Israel Fox, Carlos Hihi (co-captain), Hikurangi Reid, Puna Hihi, Xavier Tuapawa, Luka Russell, Kaiaio Tangira-Kerekere. Reserves: Whetu McGhee, Joe Kemp, Reuben Whaitiri, Cohen Loffler, Liam Beattie, Xavier Henare, Dante Kirkpatrick.

Feilding High School: Michael Stassen, Vernon Bason (c), Kees Kaiuha, Sam Kane, Semisi Balenaisa, Alani Fakava, Matt Anstis, Mosese Bason, Kade Manuel, Mosese Palelei, Jordan Donnelly, Jack Delaney, Matt Florence, Nickster Tafolo, Hoani Herewini-Dygas. R: William Fonohema, Dane Johnston, Scott Gray, Nikora Brown, Ben Fakava, Simi Ului, Dan Maisiri.