Rugby: Whangarei Boys High looks for title charge in Harbour 1A competition

Tane Mackie finds a hole during Whangarei Boys' High School First XV's pre-season. PHOTO/ALAN BEE

Expectations are high for a strong campaign from the Whangarei Boys' High School 1st XV after a promising pre-season.

A convincing 40-17 win over One Tree Hill College and a tense 19-10 loss to Auckland 1A side Aorere College has coach Harry Darkins hoping for big things from his charges.

Darkins said he and assistant coach Jason Hannah are looking for a top season from the side in the North Harbour 1A competition.

"The expectations have been set really high by myself and Jason," he said.

"The players have taken a lot of individual ownership upon themselves and you can see how passionate they are. The team values are based around passion, preparation, patience, and perseverance.

"We are aiming to book a semifinal and then it's one game at a time from there."

WBHS have their opening game tomorrow at home against Birkenhead College and are looking to make noise in the Harbour-based competition.

The side is balanced well with strong players in both the pack (lock and captain Allan Craig and No 8 Esile Fono) and the backline (second-five Richie Lavita and fullback Rocky Olson.

Their balanced nature allows them the opportunity to play an exciting brand of rugby.

"Our strength lies in playing a fast and expansive style of rugby, and controlling the tempo of the game to suit us," Darkins said.

"The commitment of everyone at training is great. We have three trainings a week with two early morning trainings and the boys are committed to turning up and putting the team first.

"The squad we have this year are very talented and have gelled together. They all get along well, are mates and work hard for each other."

Birkenhead College will offer a great litmus test first up for WBHS at home, kicking off at 12pm.

Darkins said the side is looking for a great start and hoping to carry that throughout a tight tournament.

"They will be a big and very physical team, but If we keep our shape and stick to our processes then we will give ourselves every opportunity to come away with the win," he said.

"We are confident and have set high expectations of ourselves this season.

"The competition is very strong with several teams capable of taking out the competition.

"Our goal is simple. If we play to our potential we know we can go deep in this competition.

"The squad have the self-belief that we can challenge for the title. We have had a strong pre-season behind us and are looking forward to the challenges ahead."