There was great support from the King’s students and families who had made the trek across Mangere Road to support their team.
In the past we have had some strong tussles with Otahuhu College but this year our boys were deserved easy 49-0 victors over a team that was outplayed in all areas of the game.
King’s started strongly and from the first penalty of the game, fullback Jamie Spowart made a big break down the blindside and passed inside to Captain for the Day Johannes Leituala, but unfortunately he could not hold the final pass and the first opportunity went begging. King’s, however, was not to be denied much longer as Number Eight AJay Mua was rewarded for some strong ball-carrying runs with the first two tries of the match. Ciarahn Matoe kicked the first conversion, then passed on the goal-kicking duties to fullback Jamie Spowart, who did not miss a kick all day for a 100 percent success rate from the tee.
From the kick-off, our Fijian lock Iliesa (Junior) Ratuva caught the ball, ran through a series of defenders before placing a chip-kick over the winger’s head, regathered the kick, drew the fullback and passed inside to Johannes Leituala who raced away to score what may well end up as the try of the season. It was spectacular, skillful and rather special, and had the King’s supporters in raptures. King’s immediately went back on attack and from a series of rucks close to the line, halfback James Stanners scored a good try that was also converted by Jamie Spowart to turn around at half-time ahead by 28-0 with the bonus point already secured.
After the break we played well in patches but were guilty of kicking away too much possesion. We still managed to score three well-constructed converted tries to First Five Ciarahn Matoe, winger and birthday boy Liam Baker-Smith and midfielder Edward Vaeau-Muiltalo.
The coaches were able to clear the bench and bring on all of the reserves to give them all some valuable game time, as we look ahead to the really tough matches we face over the next few weeks, starting with our all-important clash with St Peter’s College in ‘the cage’ next week.
Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the match was the defence that was well organised and impenetrable and will be vital going forward.
Thank you to the following sponsors for their support of King's College Rugby:
Premier Sports Sponsor and Rugby Sponsor: Auckland City BMW
Rugby sponsors
