The First XV had an important match against Saint Kentigern College on Saturday, as both teams had away wins in the first round of matches last weekend. More importantly though, this was our opportunity to find out how we would fare against the defending Auckland 1A Champions and one of the top-ranked teams in the country. Despite their very best efforts the team wasn't able to secure the win but played with intensity and passion with a final score of 19 - 27.
Full Reports
First XV
Saint Kentigern College
23-30
Loss
Tries: Iliesa Ratuva and Trent Freeman
Conversions: Zarn Sullivan (2)
Penalties: Zarn Sullivan (3)
The King's College First XV season came to a disappointing close on Saturday, with a loss to our rivals Saint Kentigern College: 23-30. This results in our team finishing in fifth position, just missing out on the semi-finals. Going into this game our team needed to score at least four tries and prevent Saint Kentigern College from gaining any points to win. Alas it was Saint Kentigern College that scored four tries. In a gallant effort, our team scored two tries against what is probably the strongest team in the competition.
The team trained well during the week and the coaches were confident that they could win. With a strong wind on their back in the first half, our team opened the scoring with a huge 55m penalty kick by Zarn Sullivan for a 3-0 lead. The team pack proceeded to shove Saint Kentigern College backwards in the first scrum of the game. When our team infringed inside their own 22m, the Saint Kentigern College goal kicker reciprocated to lock the scores up 3-3. Saint Kentigern College then took the lead 10 - 3 with a converted try that was matched by a superb try by big lock - Iliesa Ratuva in a superb solo run to the line. Zarn converted to tie the scores 10-10. Just before the break, our team pack once again dominated their opposition scrum and Zarn was able to kick another long-range penalty to give us the lead 13-10.
After the break our team tried to run the ball as they knew they needed to score three more tries to win. Unfortunately, they were not always accurate and unforced errors allowed Saint Kentigern College to use the strong wind advantage to keep our team pinned down in their own half. Saint Kentigern College took advantage after our team made two errors, scoring two further tries. Zarn closed the gap slightly with another penalty but Saint Kentigern College were capitalising on their field domination to score a fourth try and another penalty to push the score out to 30-16. With time running out our team threw everything at the opposition. It was Trent Freeman who scored the final try of the season, which was converted by Zarn for a final score of 23-30.
The team ended up winning six matches and losing five, with the biggest losing margin all season being the seven-point loss on Saturday. It was a shame to bow out in that fashion as our team could have won every game this season. Although this is a very young team, we still had opportunities at various stages of the season to cement our place in the semi-finals.
We wish the five leavers all the very best for their future careers and would like to thank all the supporters and family members for their continued support of the team this year. We would also like to thank our very loyal and generous sponsors once again for their support.
Second XV
Dilworth School
33-7
Win
Tries: Tevyn Anitelea, Taylor Norwood, Alowesi Suveinakama, Ben Taylor (2)
Conversions: Taaylor Norwood (4)
Despite various injuries our team managed to front in the damp conditions to beat Dilworth School on our main school field.
Playing with a reasonably strong wind in the first half, our team immediately turned territory into points with excellent retention of ball and support play. Tevyn Anitelea scored after three minutes from probing runs from Alowesi Suveinakama. Shortly after, following an excellent run from Ro'anis Lammond, Taylor Norwood threw a dummy to his supporting forwards and trotted over untouched for a fine try.
The game tightened up a little after an unfortunate pass was intercepted and Dilworth scored under our posts. The 12-7 score was no indication of the supremacy our team displayed.
It was immediately back to business for our team and an excellent first half. Ben Taylor used his exceptional pace to pick up two tries, picking up a kick ahead and running 60 metres to score on one occasion. Player of the Day, Alowesi Suveinakama collected the other try which was thoroughly deserved for all the hard work he had done at ruck time.
The last 20 minutes gave the team the opportunity to repay the returning players Alex Williams and George Fitzsimmons; who had not played in over eight weeks. They, with newbie Fraser Hardy, were excellent and added great value to the team.
Colts
Mangere College
18-10
Win
Tries: Josh Craig, Cam Mabin
The Colts set out on to beat Mangere College on Saturday, knowing a win would secure a top four finish and a chance of a semi-final. Our team went into the game with 17 players. Early pressure from Mangere College resulted in their team shooting ahead 0-3 in the first few minutes. A sweeping move from our team from our own 22 metre line set-up a well-deserved try to most improved player Josh Craig.
A lack of concentration at the kick-off by our team let Mangere College back in the game with their own try. The boys then applied an increase in pressure by slotting a penalty with 10 minutes to go, gaining back the lead 11-10. Great forward work by Jimmy J and Tumua Sua'a set the tone with tenacious defense from Seb Mines and Jack Lock, setting up Cam Mabin to score and convert for a 18-10 win. Jamie Kennelley and Ryan Gordon also had dominant games.
See you Tuesday!
Under 15s
Kelston Boys High School
11-22
Loss
Tries: Taniela Mapasua
Penalties: Dudda Doyle (2)
To recap, last Wednesday we defeated Saint Kentigern College 29-7. This result gave us a chance of making the top four, meaning this game was a must-win. Kelston Boy’s High School were unbeaten and had won 10 games on the trot.
We played into the wind in the first half and dominated the first 15 minutes. The forwards played well, especially our set piece. We were rewarded with a penalty to lead 3-0. The Kelston Boys High School outside backs were big, strong and fast and we were constantly under pressure. They scored against the run of play. Their center made an outside break from within their half, and linked with their full back who scored under the posts.
Throughout the game we struggled to number up on defense and Kelston Boys High School would attack then switch back to the blind. We continued to scramble in defense and stopped a number of promising attacks.
Kelston Boy’s High School seized the initiative with a try just after half-time. They scored two more tries and won 11-22. Kelston Boy’s High School are a well-drilled side that should make the final.
It was a tough lesson for our team. Rugby victories are built on a strong defensive effort and we missed too many first-up tackles to be competitive. Next week we play Dilworth College in the final game of the season.
4th Grade
Saint Kentigern College
0-24
Loss
The team played its best rugby but still found themselves 0-5 at the stroke of halftime. Saint Kentigern College quickly pounced in the second half to score out wide. An intercept try nailed victory for Saint Kentigern College and they deservedly won the game in convincing style.
We take heart that we dominated the game in the first half. The team will now be looking to prepare for its next game in a fortnight against Glendowie College.
5A
Rosmini College
17-8
Win
After a sleepy start, we went to the break with a slender lead but appeared to be gathering momentum. The messages given were well-received and after a dominant period we controlled field position and defended more accurately. Due to House rugby, training for another win will be on Wednesday and Thursday.
5B
Botany Downs College
53-17
Win
Tries: Fergus McLay (3), Connor Lindsey (2), Harman Minhas (2) Jack Graham- Crowther, Pum Supachaisakron
Conversions : Jack Graham-Crowther (4)
In a dominant display, our team successfully rounded off our season with a convincing win against the bottom-ranked side. There were some outstanding individual performances and it was good to see our ability to convert pressure into points.
5C/6C
Howick College
0-28
Loss
Despite having a depleted team the boys really pulled together and put on a positive performance against a well-drilled and determined Howick College side. The first half in particular was a very brave defensive effort.
6th Grade
Sacred Heart College
12-24
Loss
Penalties: Nathan Robinson (4)
King's 6A were ruthless in this top pool encounter and produced their best performance of the season to date.
Our outstanding defensive effort and brilliant game-plan management saw the teams level at 12-12 with 10 minutes to go. Unfortunately, two very surprising lapses in cohesion allowed Sacred Heart College to sneak away with a win in the closing stages.
Nathan Robinson kicked superbly and steered the team around the field while the forwards produced a magnificent pack display that they can be truly proud of. A special mention to the tight five who stuck to their task brilliantly and were tough competition for the opposition.
With a few more tweaks to get our dangerous outside backs with a bit more ball, there is serious potential to go all the way this season.
7th Grade
Rosmini College
20-17
Win
This was a must-win match to keep our team in the running for the semi-finals. It was heartening to observe the excellent team effort, as all team members contributed to deservedly win a hard-fought match on a very heavy field at Rosmini.
We scored four nice tries with Rosmini College hitting the front midway through the second half. Our forward pack continued to dominate and with 10 minutes to go, the pressure told and finally we hit the front again, maintaining solid pressure until the final whistle.
Well done boys! A must-win versus Takapuna remains next week!
