Collegiate hit back in style

TRIPLE THREAT:Wanganui Collegiate's Stephen Perofeta (pictured inaction last year) scored a hat-trick to help his side down Te Aute College in Hawke's Bay yesterday. PHOTO/FILE

WANGANUI Collegiate 1st XV have notched their first win of the college rugby season.

Travelling to Hawke's Bay yesterday, Collegiate comfortably beat Te Aute College 43-29.

It was a welcome return to form. Coach Karl Hoskin was unhappy with the 3-point loss at home to Hawera High School a fortnight ago and they were then hammered 67-0 by New Plymouth Boys' High School last Wednesday.

But Hoskin said the team were now starting to gel.

"It was a good game and an open running game," Hoskin said.

It was 23C on the East Coast yesterday and both sides were able to run the ball on a hard and dry track.

Hoskin said the front row, which included Joseph Hazelhurst in his debut for the side, played outstandingly. Tate Harte also had a solid game in the backs.

Collegiate's six tries included a hat-trick to Stephen Perofeta, while Josh Lennox, Joe Hazelhurst and Nick Brown had all crossed the line.

"I think our forwards did very well for us, they set up some good platforms for us," Hoskin said. "Pretty much we put more continuity together and had a lot of good play."

Hoskin was pleased his side were able to put points on the board, but wants more. The side's attack would be the focus ahead of next Wednesday's home game against Hato Paora College. The following Wednesday, Collegiate host a derby match with City College.