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."