Rugby: HBHS secure final berth

Jeriah Mua scored two tries for Hastings Boys' High School in today's semifinal. Photo/File

Flanker Jeriah Mua and fulback Danny Toala were inspirational as Hastings Boy's High School's 1st XV rugby side beat St Kentigern College of Auckland 29-10 in their National Top Four semifinal in Palmerston North today.

With two tries and a strong presence at the breakdown Mua was judged the player-of-the-match. But this award could easily have gone to Toala with 19 points. He scored a try and kicked four conversions and a penalty from seven attempts at goal in a tricky wind at the Sport and Rugby Institute.

Outstanding No 8 Devan Flanders was again prominent for Hastings. Busy Hastings halfback Folau Fakatava left the field with a knock to his knee just before halftime and manager Jason Bird said he hasn't been ruled out of the team's second consecutive final on Sunday.

"We have a lot of confidence in Shamara [Brooks] doing the job if Folau can't play. One of our priorities this year has been building depth so we maintain momentum when injuries occur.

Bird agreed superb composure and defence when under the pump was the key to Hastings victory.

"We had a few lapses on defence but coped at the appropriate time."

Openside flanker Mitchell Gibson had a huge workrate for St Kentigern College.

Scorers:
Hastings Boys' High School 29 (Jeriah Mua 2, Danny Toala tries; Toala 4 pens, con), St Kentigern College 10 (Rivez Reihana try, con, pen). HT: 19-3.