Rugby: Rotorua win tough clash against Gisborne

Rotorua Boys' High School have continued their good form with a 27-25 win over Gisborne Boys' High School in the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic 1st XV Division One competition.

The traditional fixture held in Gisborne last weekend saw Rotorua dominate early, thanks to some great kicking by captain Ryubyn Vaipo. The youngster slotted a 55m penalty to add to his side's 17-8 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the home side fought back but tries by Rotorua's Mason Walker and Pita Volavola out wide ended Gisborne's hopes of a comeback, with the typically tough encounter ending in victory to Rotorua.

In division two, Bethlehem College's 1st XV beat Tauranga Boys' High School under-16s 75-10 - achieved on the back of six front line players being unavailable through injury.

Dominic Burton had a strong game at halfback and ran the game well.

Bethlehem created history last weekend, when for the first time it fielded four rugby teams: the under-14s, under-15s, 2nd XV and 1st XV.

For a school with limited player numbers, this was testimony to the parents, players and rugby supporters within the school and the encouragement they have provided to the boys to give rugby a go.

In the division three match between Reporoa and Rangitahi, Reporoa came away with a convincing 71-12 win.

Reporoa, missing several players, faced a youthful and committed Rangitahi team.

After a fairly even start, Reporoa started to find cracks in the Rangitahi defence and it wasn't long before the first points were posted. And it didn't take long for more to follow, as Rangitahi tired quickly.

However, they scored two quick tries and it lifted their spirits which made it hard at times for Reporoa to secure good clean ball for the backs.

Once Reporoa gained the upper hand at the breakdowns, their backline started to score freely with some straight running and slick handling.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

Secondary Schools Rugby

Draw for May 19

(Home team first)

Division One: Opotiki v Rotorua Boys I, Trident v Tauranga Boys I, Rotorua Boys II v Otumoetai, Tauranga Boys II v Western Heights. Midweek: Western Heights v Opotiki, Tauranga Boys I v Rotorua Boys II, Tauranga Boys II v Rotorua Boys I, Otumoetai v Trident.

Division Two: Te Puke v Tauranga Boys Under-16, Taupo Nui A Tia v Tauranga Boys III, Katikati v Bethlehem, John Paul College v Mt Maunganui. Midweek: Bethlehem v Te Puke, Mt Maunganui v Tauranga Boys III, Tauranga Boys Under-16 v Katikati, Taupo Nui A Tia v John Paul College.