Rugby: National title split after thrilling final

Pictured is Hamilton Boys' first XV co-captains Legin Hotham (left) and Ayden Johnstone alongside Scots College captain T.J. Vaa. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Hamilton Boys' High School and Scots College are joint winners of the national first XV rugby competition following a thrilling 26-all final in Rotorua.

The grand final was played at Rotorua Boys' High School yesterday in front of a good crowd.

Scots College (Wellington) held the lead at the halfway stage of the grand final but defending champions Hamilton Boys' battled back well to tie the match.

As is the custom in the first XV rugby competition, both teams share the title if the match ends in a tie.

It was the first time Scots College had ever made the final of the competition.

In the co-ed final, also played in Rotorua, Feilding High School defeated Cambridge High School 43-10.