Heights defends shield once more

Western Heights High School 1st XV player Liam Preston scored a try for his side as they retained the Te Kani Shield on the weekend. Photo/File

Western Heights High School 1st XV showed "great character" to come from behind to defend the Te Kani Shield

The number one ranked team in Bay of Plenty's 1st XV Division One competition beat Bethlehem College 30-17 on Saturday in the first game of the second round of the challenge trophy competition.

But the home side had to come from 10-0 behind at half-time to keep their hands on the prestigious shield.

Western Heights sealed the win with four tries - one a piece from TJ Scheepers, Te Riini Hapi, John Tai and Liam Preston who also kicked two conversions and two penalties.

"The first half was a real struggle for us. We gave away a lot of penalties and too many errors crept into our game," said coach Steve Smith .

"Bethlehem had changed their game plan and weren't kicking the ball a lot. Instead they ran with the ball a lot and caused us a lot of difficulties in defence.

"But the boys showed great resilience and character. They dug deep and really pulled out a big performance in the second half.

"We had the wind behind us which helped but our forward line really helped and everybody played for the full game."

Bethlehem College's dominant forward pack led by Bay of Plenty U18 captain Nico Aandewil made a big impact in the game and the return of Matt Leppard from injury boosted the side.

But Smith believed the game changed for Western Heights with the introduction of players
Bailey Gordon at first five-eighths and Danel Taui at second five-eighths.

And once again Smith praised the performance of prop Scheepers.

There are six more rounds of pool play for the top eight 1st XV before semis and finals.

The goal for all teams is to win their way through to the top four National Co-ed schools final being held in Palmerston North in September. Next weekend Western Heights will look to retain the shield when they take on Te Whare Kura o Mauao who they beat 20-7 at the end of round one of the competition.