Rugby: NBHS roll HBHS in Super 8

Napier Boys High School flanker Josh Gimblett (6) attempts to free the ball after taking on the Hastings Boys' High School defence. Photo/Paul Taylor

Napier Boys' High School maintained their unbeaten run in the Super 8 1st XV rugby competition with a 27-7 win against Hastings Boys' High School in Hastings today.

It was Napier's first win against Hastings, the joint defending champions in the comp with Hamilton Boys' High School, since 2015. Napier boasted a superior forward pack and their structures and systems couldn't be faulted in the second round clash.

Captain and hooker Tyrone Thompson led the visitors by example and deserved his two tries. Tighthead prop Patrick Teddy was also prominent in a cohesive pack.
Thompson said he wasn't surprised by the margin.

"Our boys are used to working hard."

It was national champions Hastings first loss on New Zealand soil in two seasons and manager Jason Bird said he was proud of the manner in which his troops hung in when their line was pounded for long periods.

"We could have conceded a lot more points. We know what we need to work on now and hopefully both teams will meet in the Super 8 final which will be good for Hawke's Bay," Bird said.

Substitute loosie Ngiyaani Waters had a huge defensive workrate for the hosts and made the most of his limited opportunities on attack. Second five-eighth Jordan Thompson-Dunn was another busy defender for Hastings and was a threat on attack.

Hastings were on the receving end of a 13-10 penalty count and two of their players, tighthead prop Corban Kirkea and substitute lock Emil Crichton, were sinbinned.
Scorers:
Napier Boys' High School 27 (Tyrone Thompson 2, Jack Sheridan, Angus Kilmister, Frank Lochore tries; Keegan Christian-Goss con), Hastings Boys' High School 7 (Gideon Kautai try; Shamara Brooks con). HT: 17-7.