"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.