The u14s’ tryscorer was second five-eighth Trey Bryant. His try was converted by centre Luka Russell.
For the u15s, right wing Hikurangi Reid scored a double, while captain and first-five Carlos Hihi, centre King Maxwell and reserve left wing Taimana Teneti scored a try each. Maxwell kicked four conversions.
The tryscorer for the second 15 was lock Tyla Keelan-Phillips (with a conversion by captain and second-five Von Huata), and the first 15’s tryscorer was indomitable fullback Braedyn Grant, whose try was converted by first-five Ricardo Patricio.
The teams’ MVP (most valuable player) awards were made to first 15 second-five Tuteari Te Rauna-Lamont, second 15 openside flanker Sam Twigley, u15 captain and first-five Carlos Hihi and u14 fullback Kaiaio Kerekere-Tangira.
While the first 15, second 15 and u14s have yet to record a Super 8 win, first 15 head coach Mark Jefferson acknowledged his team’s output.
“We tried, played our best and defended well, despite what the score-line suggests,” Jefferson said.
He noted the solidity of Te Rauna-Lamont in the midfield and said that Grant and lock Ofa Tauatevalu also played particularly well.
With regular captain and tighthead prop Jordan McFarlane still nursing a leg injury, centre Niko Lauti led the first 15 in Hastings.
Tomorrow the Gisborne Boys’ High School first and 2nd 15s face New Plymouth BHS — who have also yet to claim a Super 8 scalp — at their famous “Gully” ground, and McNaught Field, in Round 4 of the competition.
The New Plymouth first 15, placed seventh in 2018, drew the shortest straw imaginable on June 8, losing to last season’s champions, Hamilton Boys’ High, 52-7 at Hamilton. They then lost 14-5 to Tauranga at the Gully and are coming off a 17-14 loss to Palmerston North at Palmerston North.
Gisborne placed sixth in the 2018 Super 8.
“Our boys stepped it up at training this week,” second 15 head coach Graeme Newlands said.
“We’ve brought in extra firepower — guys who want to front up and be there for each other.”
His assistant coach, Matthew Mackle, said: “We need a win and this is a game we can get up for.”
The New Plymouth second 15, seventh in 2018, beat Gisborne (eighth) 41-29 in Gisborne last year.
The second 15 game, at McNaught Field, starts at 10.30am tomorrow. The first 15 game, at the “Gully”, is set for a 12 midday start.
GBHS first 15: Sione Mafelio, Amanaki Tonga, Nathaniel Hauiti, Tiaan Barbara-Hei, Kauri Waitoa, Ofa Tauatevalu, Amos Roddick, Khian Westrupp, Nicolas Proffit, Ricardo Patricio, TK Reihana, Tuteari Te Rauna-Lamont, Niko Lauti (captain), Matthew Proffit, Braedyn Grant. Reserves: Setefano Tolu, Moeakiola Mosaati, Nik Patumaka, Lochi Mead, Kirk Ngatai, John Horua, Whetu King-Taufa.
GBHS second 15: Moeaki Mosati, Reweti Ropiha, Isaiah Kiwara, Corban Richter, Tyla Keenan-Phillips, Sitiveni Tuilautala, Sam Twigley, Nik Patumaka, Silas Brown, Bryan Howard, Mikaere Marino-Moore, Von Huata (c), Isaiah Lemaua, Freedom Lemaua, John Horua. Reserves: Matariki Kaa, Drake Wanoa, Kapua Thornicroft, Saylahr Parker, Kirk Ngatai, Jacob Wyllie, Corbyn Peach.
