Rugby: Hastings Boys' High School lose Super 8 crown

Second five-eighth Danny Toala was outstanding for Hastings Boys' High School today. Photo/File

Hastings Boys' High School have lost their Super 8 rugby crown despite drawing their final 12-all against Hamilton Boys' High School in Hastings today.

Hamilton Boys won the trophy courtesy of scoring the first try of the match through hooker Tane Te Aho following a 43rd minute lineout drive. Hamilton head coach Nigel Hotham thought the trophy was going to be shared until he was informed of the rules as the players shook hands.

"We're happy to take it but I'm sure this won't be the last time these two teams meet," Hotham said as he predicted both teams are good enough to do what they did last year and reach the national top four competition later in the season.

He praised the contribution from his Hawke's Bay-raised halfback Brad McNaughten and blindside flanker Charles Alamalo.

"But I couldn't have asked for me from the whole team. They worked their backsides off in the second half."

"It was a ding dong battle which could have gone either way. We missed a lot of opportunities and our clean outs at the breakdown could have been better," Hastings head coach Tafai Ioasa said.

Lock Tane Hohipa and second five-eighth Danny Toala were outstanding for the hosts who have a week off next weekend before attempting to retain their Hurricanes region crown.

Napier Boys High School were pipped 21-20 by Palmerston North Boys' High School in their Hurricanes region qualifier in Napier today. Napier had an early 8-0 lead but Palmerston North gained the upperhand when wet weather hit Napier.

Palmerston North led 14-13 at halftime. Vice captain and halfback Humphrey Sheild joined centre Nathan Giles as the best of the Napier backs in their team's final outing of the season.

Hooker Tyrone Thompson, openside flanker Luke Russell and substitute loosie Sam Henderson were prominent in the Napier pack.
Scorers:
Hamilton Boys' High School 12 (Tane Te Aho, Tevita Faa'kafa tries; Coby Miln con), Hastings Boys' High School 12 (Danny Toala, Flau Fakatava tries; Toala con). HT: 0-all.