Hastings Boys' High School halfback Latrell Ah Kiong clears the ball during today's win against New Plymouth Boys' High School in Hastings. Photo/Duncan Brown
Hastings Boys' High School halfback Latrell Ah Kiong clears the ball during today's win against New Plymouth Boys' High School in Hastings. Photo/Duncan Brown
Hastings Boys' High School 1st XV rugby prop Matt Wilson forced his way into the starting XV a fortnight ago and he has no intention of relinquishing the role.
"Matt isn't the biggest tighthead around but he was outstanding, at set piece time and around the paddock," HBHS manager JasonBird said after the side's 31-21 Super 8 win against New Plymouth Boys' High School in Hastings today.
The joint defending champions have recorded four wins and one loss to date, the same record as their Napier counterparts.
Hooker Damarus Hokianga, one of four HBHS players who have gained Hurricanes under-18 squad selection, also had a huge workrate in the winning pack and impressed with his lineout throws. Halfback Latrell Ah Kiong, a year 12 student and grandson of former Magpies midfield back Wini Smiler, provided quality service for his backline.
Fullback Gideon Kautai, who received a late call up for next week's Hurricanes under-18 camp in Napier this week, displayed plenty of enterprise.
"It wasn't a polished effort. But you're always happy when you get a bonus point in this comp and we did score the first try for the first time in this season's Super 8," Bird said.
The score was 7-all at halftime. Winger Michael Naitokani, a Hurricanes squad member, scored two tries, Kautai, Ah Kiong and lock Emil Crichton scored the others. Ah Kiong kicked two conversions and first five-eighth Shamara Brooks one.
