Western Heights win Te Kani shield

FILE

The Te Kani shield has changed hands again with Western Heights High School 1st XV defeating Rotorua Boys High School 2nd XV on Saturday.

In a tough and exciting game the Western Heights High School pack competed with their bigger opposition while their backline proved too good for the Rotorua Boys' High School team.

Western Heights High School also took out the Central Bay of Plenty 1st XV honours in the 23-8 victory booking a place in division one final against Te Whare Kura o Mauao this weekend.

They will look to defend the Dick Little John Trophy they won last year.

Te Whare Kura o Mauao have been impressive in the first round posting some big wins. Their free flowing style of rugby epitomises all that Maori rugby stands for.

With Chiefs U18 prop Te Hira Roberts stepping up and being well supported by up and coming Bay of Plenty representative players Taitua Woller and Gilly Bidios the Te Whare Kura o Mauao team is poised to repeat their first round win over the boys from Western Heights High School.

Western Heights High School will focus on playing a more structured and tighter game to combat the open running style of the team from Tauranga.

They will again turn to their key player Brodie Wood to lead their backline both on attack and defence. The game is expected to be played out wide and with pace which will ensure a thrilling spectacle of top class 1st XV Rugby

The game will be played at Western Heights High School No.1 field at 12:30pm.