Results
First XV
vs Tangaroa College
Won 48-0
On Saturday, the First XV played newly-promoted Tangaroa College on another stunningly beautiful Autumn day here at King’s College and there was a good crowd that turned-up to watch the boys in our first home game for the season.
Despite being out of the 1A competition for a number of years, we were expecting Tangaroa to be a big, physical side and they did not disappoint in this area. The main thing for us, therefore was to maintain our structures and discipline and it did not take too long before we had scored two very well-taken tries to blindside flanker – Che Clark and centre – Meihana Grindlay. Aidan Morgan converted both tries and then the game went through an unsettled period for us with small mistakes creeping in and a lack of accuracy in certain areas.
One area that was well-maintained throughout the entire match, however, was our defence. Tangaroa never really looked like scoring a try against us and missed a very kickable penalty from out in front of our posts. Soon after, Grindlay had scored his second try and just before halftime, Clark had also collected a double. Aidan was unable to convert these last two tries but we had already collected a bonus point for scoring four tries. This gave us a halftime lead of 24 – 0 and allowed the coaches to get all of the reserves onto the field in the second half for some valuable game time and an opportunity to push for spots in the team for next week’s huge traditional match against Auckland Grammar.
The second half saw us score four more well-constructed tries to left wing – Luron Iosefa (2), right wing – Eric Vaafusuaga and Sean Roberton, who had just come back onto the field to replace one of the backs that had sustained a small injury. Aidan once again converted two of the four second half tries for a final score line of 48 – 0.
At the conclusion of the match the coaches were pleased with the way the team had played, the outcome and the result, and most importantly – the fact that the opposition had not scored a single point against us. After two games we maintain our position at the top of the table with the maximum 10 points.
This was another convincing win with many positive aspects. There were, however, areas that we will need to improve upon before next week’s top-of-the-table clash against traditional rivals Auckland Grammar over there. The match will be televised and there is another huge crowd expected with Grammar celebrating their 150th anniversary next weekend. This will be a huge challenge for us but we know that if we are to be serious contenders for the title again like last year, that we have to be able to win the big matches like this one, or at least to play to our potential.
The team are grateful for the support that we get, both on and off the field and we are looking forward to the game next weekend where we hope to play to the best of our ability and produce a performance that enables us to be successful and one that is worthy of such an occasion.
Second XV
vs Mt Albert Grammar School
Lost 15-35
The boys started well from kick-off, executing the game plan with precision and purpose. Putting together a number of phases to score (this was one of our goals prior to the game) which went unconverted. Mount Albert Grammar capitalised on our mistakes and quickly took the lead with two converted penalties.
We were on the back foot from there; trying, but failing to get back into our systems thanks to pressure from the opposition. We spent the majority of the rest of the game defending, the opposition wound up the pressure as we fatigued and scored some well-constructed tries. To their credit, the boys used the amount of possession we had to score two more unconverted tries making the final score 15-35.
Work this week will be to build on our knowledge on the game plan, while the forwards will be working on set piece to give the backs top-quality ball.
Players that stood out were:
Backs – Ethan S, Piki, and Troy
Forwards – Ethan C, Senio P and Lawrence U.
Awanui, Andre and Kams
Under 15s
vs Aorere College
Won 24-19
On Saturday the King's College U15s team played their first competitive match of the season against Aorere College U15s at our home ground.
King's took the early lead with captain Jarius Iosefa scoring a well-deserved try on the wing due to the great ball in the backline. Jarius also went on to score a first-half hat trick. The first half also saw Dillon Vaoga with an excellent try on the wing to put the King's side further ahead. First five Harry Sinclair was able to convert two of the four tries. Aorere responded quickly with some well-worked ball carrying through the forwards to gain ground in the middle. Luckily with some great defence from the King's side, they were able to keep the Aorere side scoreless in the first half.
The game saw some key players working hard to get the win for the King's side, with Captain Jarius Iosefa and vice-captain Trey Alatini leading from the front in the forwards and backline respectively. Gene Garea working hard from the second row and Guy Hunt on the openside with some great work in the rucks and on defence. In the backline halfback Jack Elliot produced good quick ball from the ruck. A mention to Centre Jonty Willis who was able to break Aorere with some hard running.
The Aorere side continued to use their size and strength to put the King’s team under pressure and scored some excellent tries. The final score was 24-19 to King's College. This young squad has gained some valuable experience from the matchup with a strong Aorere side which will stand them in good stead moving forward with the season.
A large squad will feature for our U15s this season with learning, development, fun and enjoyment at the heart of everything we do. Thanks to the parents and families for coming along and supporting
Caleb Pearson (Year 10, Averill)
1R
vs Tangaroa College
Won by default
Tangaroa called off
5A
vs Macleans College
Won 31-0
5A travelled to East Auckland on Saturday to take on Macleans College. A fog enshrouded field awaited us upon kick-off and a very wet ball and a tenacious home team made life very difficult for King's in the first half. Despite dominating territory and possession, we just couldn't find any rhythm or gaps to probe, and handling errors lead to numerous tries being squandered. A try right on the half time hooter gave King's a slender 5-0 lead.
A good team chat at half-time and refocusing of goals and targets lead to a refreshing change in momentum and King's cut loose in the second half. Some excellent team tries and set piece moves allowed King's to finally turn dominance into points and four more tries allowed us to secure a comfortable 31-0 win.
This match was much more about a team effort in subduing the sprightly opposition but solid outings from Taigo Chapman at lock (2 tries) and Conner Lindsay and Will Geldard in the loose gave us excellent forward momentum while the backs got plenty of ball to play around with. Joe Taylor had a rough time at halfback and was consistently being infringed, but did very well under enormous pressure to get his line away.
Overall a pleasing effort so early in the season and great to see the boys being able to refocus when things did not go well in the first half.
5B
vs Mount Albert Grammar
Mount Albert Grammar postponement
6A
vs Sacred Heart
Lost 14-29
A non-competition away game saw us playing a strong Sacred Heart team.
From our 6A squad of 22 boys only 12 of the team were fit to play due to injuries and sickness. Boys from the 5B rugby team joined us to make up the numbers which meant that many of the boys had to play out of position.
However, the boys did play well especially under the circumstances with Ollie Dunshea and James Ford scoring our two tries. Final score 29-14.
There were positive things to take away from the game and more improvements will be made at training this week. Thanks to the team who adapted to the situation today and all the best for a quick recovery for those who are injured or unwell.
Hayes, Barry + Rev
7A
vs Orewa College
Won 31 – 5
After missing their first game last Saturday when Rangitoto College found a shortage of players required them to default, the King’s College 7A rugby team made the long trek up to Orewa for what was their first competition match of the season.
The Orewa College team is a combined Whangaparoa College and Orewa College group that is trained and managed by members of the Silverdale Rugby Club.
Following a week where some good basics were the focus of their training regime, the 7A squad commenced the game intent on turning their practice sessions into their match day performance and it didn’t take long for them to realise that this was going to potentially be the key to a successful result.
Five minutes into the match, outstanding forward pressure saw Alex Grant score the first of the King’s tries and with this duly converted by captain Lachie Palmer.
With the forward pack continuing to show grit in the tight phases of play, it did not take long before loose forward Oliver Wright from a forward lead charge increased King’s lead to 9 -0. The almost sideline position of the try saw Jack McKay’s conversion fall just short of its mark, but with its forward pack controlling much of the possession, King’s now appeared very much in control of the first half.
With the backs receiving a good supply of ball it wasn’t too long before Lachie Palmer’s sidestep saw him create a gap and score the first of his two tries which was duly converted by Jack McKay moving King’s out to a 17-0 lead.
Possibly due to their tiring team effort both on attack and defence, a sudden breakout saw Orewa College score an almost uncontested try to bring them back into the game and change the score to 17-5.
But the sudden shock saw King’s decide that that was as close as Orewa were going to get and a second Lachie Palmer try, converted by himself and a well-deserved try to Henry Kaye converted by Jack McKay saw King’s run out winners 31-5.
Praise must go to the entire team for an extremely well-rounded effort! It was a very pleasing start for their 2019 season.
John Powell, Noah Perelini, Zarn Sullivan
See the King's College Team of the Week
