Football: NBHS beaten in semifinals

Captain Kaeden Atkins had a solid defensive game for Napier Boys' High School in their semifinal loss. Photo/File B

Defending champions Napier Boys' High School will take on Palmerston North Boys' High School in today's playoff for third at the Super 8 football tournament in Hamilton.

The Marty Akers-coached side lost 2-0 to national champions Hamilton Boys' High School in their semifinal yesterday afternoon. Napier manager Grant Bundle said there was a big turning point in the game.

"Liam [left winger Percy-Fysh] was dragged down in the box and the referee didn't call it. A minute later Hamilton scored at the other end."

"We're very disappointed. There are a lot of year 13 boys in this squad and they know how much a Super 8 title means," Bundle added.

Captain and centre back Kaeden Atkins, a Napier City Rovers Central League squad member, produced a solid defensive display against Hamilton. Earlier yesterday Napier Boys' High School lost 3-2 to Palmerston North Boys' High School.

Akers troops had already secured their semifinal berth before this match. Percy-Fysh and centre back and vice captain Joel Restieaux scored Napier's goals. The score was 1-all at halftime and Napier led 2-1 before Palmy fought back to secure the victory.

Restieaux was the best of the Napier players in this clash.

Hastings Boys' High School will meet New Plymouth Boys' High School in this morning's playoff for fifth. Coach Grant Hastings said his troops displayed vast improvement on their day one displays yesterday.

In their first match they drew 1-all with New Plymouth. Striker Jack Parker scored Hastings only goal in the first half and New Plymouth replied late in the second half.

Coach Hastings said his defensive trio of Nicholas Yorke, Sean Lee and Fetuao Belcher combined well against New Plymouth. In their second game yesterday Hastings recorded their first win of the tournament beating Gisborne Boys' High School 2-0.

The score was 0-all at halftime. Hastings first goal came courtesy of an own goal and striker Brody Lucas scored their second.

Coaching Hastings said Lucas had a massive workrate and centre midfielders, captain Aidan Robson and Benjamin Eldridge, were full of authority.

Hamilton Boys' High School will play Tauranga Boys College in today's final.