There were mixed emotions after Napier Boys' High School's 1st XV rugby side's 36-24 win against New Plymouth Boys' High School in their home Super 8 match on Saturday.
Co-coach Deyl Whyte pointed out his troops were thrilled with the manner in which they ran in six tries, after concedingtwo early ones. However, there were concerns about the additions to their injury list as they looked ahead to Wednesday's televised away Polson Banner clash against Palmerston North Boys' High School.
Hurricanes under-18 fullback Sam McNicol, blindside flanker Kaleb Whakatake and lock Aaron Einarsson are all unlikely to be available for the team's defence of one of the country's oldest secondary school rugby trophies, which NBHS won last year for the first time since 2009.
Two of McNicol's Hurricanes under-18 teammates, second five-eighth Shae Tucker and No8 Vinny Guildford, were again prominent for NBHS. Tucker was the best back with some powerful breaks, while Guildford joined prop Hadlee Hay-Horton as the pick of the forwards after replacing Einarsson in the fifth minute.
Winger Bailyn Sullivan, 14, scored two tries for NBHS, who led 26-10 at halftime. Tucker, McNicol, Caleb Makene and Sean Morrison scored the others, and Ethan Bradey kicked three conversions.
Hastings Boys' High School 1st XV lost their home game against Tauranga Boys' College 32-12, after trailing 17-7 at halftime. Hastings manager Steven Small said poor discipline proved costly for his team, who did well to trail 17-12 until the final 15 minutes, when they had a player sinbinned and conceded three tries.
The hosts' player of the day, centre Tiki Greening, and flanker Reuben Papuni, scored tries and first five-eighth Buster Keefe kicked a conversion. Captain and hooker Joe Walding-Karaitiana and loosehead prop Ray Selesele were tireless workers in the Hastings pack.
HBHS Year 10 winger Trent Harper, 15, played the entire game.
