Rugby: All Hawke's Bay Hurricanes final

Napier Boys' High School winger Jack Sheriden scores his team's second try in today's win against St Pat's Town. Photo/Duncan Brown .

Defending champions Hastings Boys' High School and Napier Boys' High School today qualified for next weekend's Hurricanes Secondary Schools rugby final with identical semifinal performances.

Both teams beat their respective opponents St Pat's Silverstream and St Pat's Town 31-14 after leading 19-0 at halftime. Playing at Jerry Collins Stadium in Porirua, Hastings, had first use of a strong wind and managed to secure ideal field position.

Manager Jason Bird said the visitors retained possession well when they were battling into the wind in the second half.

"While it was a solid effort we know we need to build to another level to beat Napier," the former Magpies halfback added.

Jordan Thompson-Dunn was again full of authority in both the first five-eighth and second five-eighth positions for Hastings. Latrell Ah Kiong operated well in the halfback and first five-eighth position and finished the game with two tries and three conversions.

The Hastings loose forward trio of captain and No 8 Liam Udy-Johns and flankers Connor Wadley and Donovan Mataira was outstanding.

Napier coach Brendon Ratcliffe was pleased his team reached the final but agreed there was plenty for his troops to work on. They were no where near as clinical as there were in their 23-22 Super 8 final loss to Hamilton Boys' High School a fortnight ago.

Far too often their carries were too loose and this resulted in 10 soft conceded turnovers, three more than St Pat's Town. On their home ground Napier also conceded 11 penalties, two more than they were awarded by Manawatu referee Sam Couper.

Originally the Hurricanes final was scheduled for Palmerston North but Bird said there is a chance it could be played in Hawke's Bay. The venue is expected to be confirmed on Monday.

Scorers:
Napier Boys' High School 31 (Leo Thompson, Jack Sheriden, Tiaki Fabish, Luke Russell, Tyrone Thompson tries; Keegan Christian-Goss 3 cons), St Pat's Town 14 (Lanakila Tiatia, Sanele Augustino tries; Boston Christie 2 cons). HT: 19-0.
Hastings Boys' High School 31 (Latrell Ah Kiong 2, Connor Wadley, Damarus Hokianga, Donovan Mataira tries; Ah Kiong 3 cons), St Pat's Silverstream 14. HT: 19-0.