Leo Thompson jumps in delight as fellow Napier Boys' High School midfielder Keegan Christian-Goss scores one of his two tries today. Photo/Duncan Brown
Leo Thompson jumps in delight as fellow Napier Boys' High School midfielder Keegan Christian-Goss scores one of his two tries today. Photo/Duncan Brown
Napier Boys' High School 1st XV rugby coach Brendon Ratcliffe paid tribute to his eight Hurricanes under-18 squad members after today's Super 8 win against Rotorua Boys' High School in Napier.
"None of those eight who go into camp on Monday put their Hurricanes commitments ahead of their Sky Bluejerseys. They know it was through all the good work of their brothers in this team that got them there and they gave their all for the team today ... it was an amazing team performance," Ratcliffe said after Napier's 39-14 victory.
"We spoke all week about how we missed an opportunity against Hamilton," he said referring to their only loss in five matches to date, 29-15 away last weekend.
"Today there was lots of power up front. Our defensive line speed was back to where it should be and we carried a lot better than last week," Ratcliffe added.
Second five-eighth Keegan Christian-Goss, a Hurricanes under-18 squad member scored two tries and kicked two conversions and a penalty for the hosts. Captain and hooker Tyrone Thompson, another Hurricanes squad member, winger Harry Devine and halfback Angus Kilmister aso scored tries for the hosts who were also awarded a penalty try.
Napier's other Hurricanes squad members are Thompson's twin brother and centre Leo Thompson, props Jayden Walker and Patrick Teddy, lock Tiaki Fabish, flanker Josh Gimblett and No 8 Luke Russell.
