Kaitaia College 53 Kerikeri High School 5 (ht 22-5): The Kaitaia College 1st XV now seem virtually assured of winning the Northland 1st XV championship after blowing their arch rivals Kerikeri High School well and truly off the top fields - in the first leg of two beingheld to decide this year's title - in Kaitaia last Wednesday.
Back in chilly, deep winter conditions in Kaitaia last Wednesday, and after a slow start Kaitaia College soon took the game by the scruff of the neck and put on a totally dominating performance. Despite going into halftime with a convincing lead, the homeside lifted again to shut down any opportunity by the visitors to build some pressure of their own. Having progressed into the final via two defaults, the Kaitaia boys' enthusiasm at finally getting a chance to play was obvious and they will take an abundance of confidence into the return match in three weeks' time in Kerikeri.
Tries by Hamish Pomare 2, Nathan Waipouri 2 (and POTD award), Cambell Matthews, Sean Windleborn-Rawiri, John Bell, Cameron Leslie; kicks by Raymond Morunga 3 conversions and a penalty, Shelford Murray 2 conv.
It was a good week results-wise for Kaitaia College, with both the 1st XIs (football) winning their away encounters away last Wednesday as well; the girls beating Otamatea 1-0 at Tikipunga, and the boys downing Ruawai College 5-2 at Pompallier College. The school thanked both Tikipunga FC and Pompallier College for granting the use of their grounds so the two Kaitaia teams didn't have so far to travel.
COMMENT: Surprising to learn of the game being covered by the Landrover Grassroots 1st XV Rugby show on SKY between Whangarei Boys' High and Kamo High on July 27 which risks the impression that 1st XV rugby in Northland is in poor nick. Both teams have been utterly torn apart by the Ninety Milers in under-19 rugby this year, while WBHS couldn't even manage a side to travel north to play Kaitaia College in the 1st XV competition last month.
