First XV rugby: Napier Boys’ High School defeat Hamilton Boys’ High School in comeback thriller

Riley Mullany scores his first of three tries for Napier. Photo / Whakaata Māori

One week can make a big difference.

Napier Boys’ High School First XV defeated schoolboy rugby heavyweights Hamilton Boys’ High School First XV at home on Friday 40-29, marking their first win of this year’s Super 8 competition.

It followed three successive losses to open their campaign.

Napier looked like they were headed for a fourth straight loss when they went into halftime behind 24-5 on the scoreboard.

However, a strong second-half performance saw the home side mount a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

Impressive forward Riley Mullany was one of the stars for Napier, scoring a hat-trick of tries.

It was all hugs and high-fives at the final whistle as the home team breathed some life back into their 2025 season.

Both Hamilton and Napier remain near the bottom of the Super 8 ladder, with one win each from their respective four matches.

Meanwhile, a day earlier, Hastings Boys’ High School First XV lost their Super 8 clash at home to Rotorua Boys’ High School First XV 34-33.

That match featured some controversy, with what appeared to be a scrum infringement from Rotorua on the final play of the game.

Rotorua went on to kick a winning penalty moments later.

Palmerston North Boys’ High School are the only undefeated team left in the competition and sit atop the ladder.

Rotorua currently hold the Moascar Cup – the schoolboy version of the Ranfurly Shield – and will next host Napier this coming Saturday.

Napier Boys’ High School 40 (Tries: R. Mullany (3), H. O’Rourke (2), H. Bain; W. Lovatt 5 conversions) defeated Hamilton Boys’ High School 29 (Tries: C. Dunlop (2), O. Guerin (2), C. Parai; J. Botherway 2 conversions)