Rugby: Strong finish sees NBHS to big win

Second five-eighth Shae Tucker scored two tries as Napier Boys' High School's 1st XV returned to winning mode in the Super 8 rugby competition on Saturday.

Tucker, a Hurricanes under-18 training camp squad member, was one of two Napier players to grab a double in their 34-14 away victory against Rotorua Boys' High School. Blindside flanker Kaleb Whakataka, who joined No8 Vinny Guildford as the best of the Napier forwards, was the other.

After leading 7-0 at halftime Napier took an early 17-0 lead in the third quarter before going off the boil and allowing Rotorua to trail 17-14. However, Napier finished with three unanswered tries in the final quarter.

Lock Luia Tupuola and first-five Caleb Makene scored Napier's other tries. Makene and fellow pivot Ethan Bradey kicked conversions.

Hastings Boys' High School's 1st XV were thrashed 71-21 by New Plymouth Boys' High School in their away fixture on Friday after trailing 28-9 at halftime.

"New Plymouth were far too good. We couldn't match their physicality and intensity," HBHS manager Steven Small said.

Hooker Joe Walding-Karaitiana and lock Len Juan Rossiter scored Hastings tries while first-five Buster Keefe kicked three penalties and utility back Ash Robinson kicked a conversion. Walding-Karaitiana and flanker Reuben Papuni were the best of the Hastings forwards and halfback Jardine Chung Ching the pick of the backs.