Rugby: NBHS out to improve on winning sequence

There was no danger of "big head syndrome" for the Napier Boys' High School 1st XV rugby side after their third consecutive Super 8 victory on Saturday.

"I'll be reminding the boys about the two easy tries they bombed, one of which was on the line," co-coach Del Whyte said after a 20-8 away win against Tauranga Boys College.

"Apart from that it was a good effort. Any away win at this level is a good win."

His troops trailed 5-3 at halftime. Centre Caleb Makene and Year 10 winger Bailyn Sullivan scored Napier's tries and first five-eighth Ethan Bradey kicked two penalties and two conversions.

Napier's frontrow of hooker Logan Ede and props Sean Morrison and Hadlee Hay-Horton functioned well, while No8 Vinny Guildford and openside flanker Michael Buckley again produced phenomenal workrates. Makene was the pick of the Napier backs.

Napier's 2nd XV also maintained their unbeaten Super 8 run with a 22-12 win against their Tauranga counterparts.

Hastings Boys' High School displayed vast improvement on their previous week's 60-10 loss to Napier when pipped 19-12 by Gisborne Boys' High School at Hastings. Gisborne led 12-9 at halftime and outscored their hosts three tries to none.

Fullback Ash Robinson kicked four penalties from as many attempts at goal for Hastings. Year 11 first five-eighth Ivan Hokianga operated well in his first starting appearance for the side. Winger Tiki Greening and halfback Jardine Chung Ching were others to shine in the host backline.

Lock Reuben Papuni and No8 Vaea Noaia were industrious in the host pack.

"Defensively we were much better and overall it was a much improved effort. The boys stepped up and showed a lot of heart after attending Komiti's unveiling earlier in the day," Hastings manager Steven Small said referring to former HBHS player Komiti Alainu'uese who died last year.