Rugby: Rotorua Boys' work for title

Rotorua Boys' winger James Tofa races away for a memorable try. Photo / Ben Fraser

The Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV team have been crowned Bay of Plenty secondary school rugby champions again - but had to survive a big scare from Tauranga Boys' College to claim the top prize.

Tauranga Boys' College 1st XV travelled to Rotorua Boys' as underdogs but came out firing and caused the home side plenty of trouble before losing 18-12.

Tauranga kicker Sam Takai kicked four penalties to have his side nine points ahead early in the second half.

It was a big wake-up call for Rotorua, who played well below their best, dropping a lot of ball, but still managed to score two tries in the second half to win the fixture.

The match threw up some drama right at the death as Tauranga peppered the Rotorua tryline but they could not find a way through.

It means Rotorua keep their season alive for at least another week while Tauranga draw curtains on their season. Rotorua Boys' coach Ngarimu Simpkins said the match could have gone either way.

"I think it is good for Bay rugby to have a fitting final like that. We certainly didn't take Tauranga lightly, they just played really well today."

"We are really proud to be Baywide champions so we will definitely take that, but take nothing away from Tauranga today they really played their hearts out."

Rotorua will now represent the Bay during the race for a spot in the National Top 4 competition.

They play the Waikato champions in Hamilton this weekend, which will most likely be the reigning national champions Hamilton Boys' High School.

If Rotorua win that match they will play either the champions from Counties Manukau or Taranaki for a spot in the National Top 4 competition in Rotorua.

Meanwhile, the Western Heights High School 1st XV will also represent the Bay of Plenty as the co-ed school looks to gain a spot in the National Top 4 co-ed competition. They defeated Opotiki College 1st XV at the Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday afternoon in the final of the Bay of Plenty secondary schools division one competition.

- Rotorua Boys' High School 18 (James Tofa, Dorso Porima-Horne tries; Kaleb Trask con, 2 pen) Tauranga Boys' College 12 (Sam Takai 4 pen) HT: 3-6.