The First XV trained hard during the week and achieved the goal of a bonus point win over Kelston Boys’ High School, scoring six tries (four of which were converted) for a final score line of 38-12.
Kelston started well and had possession of the ball for the first part of the game but could not crack the King's defense. King's weathered the storm we knew would come from Kelston and eventually broke out, creating pressure on the Kelston defense which saw second five-eighth Lukas Halls score the first of his two tries that were converted by Meihana Grindlay.
The second half started the same way as the first but Kelston could not break the King's defense and eventually it was Lukas Halls who crossed from a set piece move to open the scoring in the second half. Once again, Kelston replied with a well-taken try but could not convert, so the score was 26-12 with about 15 minutes left to play. Kelston tried desperately to crack the King's defense but it was King's who would have the final say, scoring two more tries - one to each winger - Callum Douglas and Epeli Ula.
Full Reports
First XV
Kelston Boys’ High School
38–12 to King’s
Tries: Lukas Halls (2), Hayes Okesene, Zoan Patua, Callum Douglas and Epeli Ula.
Conversions: Meihana Grindlay (4)
The motivation was very simple leading into this match: win with a bonus point and we remain in the race for the semi finals. Lose, and we would be playing a 'dead rubber' in our last game of the season next weekend against Saint Kentigern College. The boys trained hard during the week and achieved our goal of a bonus point win over Kelston Boys’ High School, scoring six tries, four of which were converted for a final score line of 38-12.
The field at Kelston was in good condition with a strong wind blowing straight across the ground and overcast conditions. Kelston started well and had possession of the ball for the first part of the game but could not crack the King's defense. King's weathered the storm we knew would come from Kelston and eventually broke out, creating pressure on the Kelston defense which saw second five-eighth Lukas Halls score the first of his two tries that were converted by Meihana Grindlay.
Kelston fought back and took an opportunity to score a converted try to tie the game up at 7 all. Almost immediately King's went back on attack and put multiple phases together that saw Captain - Hayes Okesene score his first try of the season to the right of the posts, which was also converted by Meihana Grindlay.
Both teams had possession throughout the rest of the half but King's had the final say with tight head prop - Zoan Patua finishing off some great running and passing from the team to score the best try of the game. Meihana added the two points for the conversion and King's turned around 21-7 up and with a feeling that they were on the brink of breaking the Kelston spirit. It would be vital to score first after the break.
The second half started the same way as the first but Kelston could not break the King's defense and eventually it was Lukas Halls who crossed from a set piece move to open the scoring in the second half. Once again, Kelston replied with a well-taken try but could not convert, so the score was 26 - 12 with about 15 minutes left to play. Kelston tried desperately to crack the King's defense but it was King's who would have the final say, scoring two more tries - one to each winger - Callum Douglas and Epeli Ula. Meihana Grindlay converted one and the game ended with the King's coaches very pleased with the result and with no major injuries.
Next weekend King's face competition leaders Saint Kentigern College in a must-win game, with five teams all still fighting for semi-finals spots. The equation is very simple, beat Saint Kentigern College with a bonus point and we make the play-offs. Lose, and we can all pack up our things and start planning for next season.
Hopefully we will get a huge crowd come out to support the team in its quest to make the semi-finals. See you all there.
Second XV
Auckland Grammar School
3–8 to Auckland Grammar School
Penalty: Josh Numanga
On a chilly Friday evening at College Rifles ground, under lights, another epic traditional King's-Auckland Grammar fixture was contested. Nearly 500 people braved the cold to support their College.
All the first half, statistics favoured King's, except the score-board, trailing 0-3. Playing clever territorial rugby and minimising mistakes created many opportunities, but the Auckland Grammar defense was resolute.
King's turned down an early kickable penalty to further pressure the opposition with a 5 metre lineout, but were unable to convert this into points. A solid scrum dominated and provided a great attacking platform.
From a rare opportunity Grammar had in the King's 22m, they were awarded a penalty in front. The kick hit the post but unfortunately deflected between the poles to give Grammar the slim lead at the break.
King's started very strongly, aided by the impressive impact of Temple Kalepo and Levi Uluakiahoia around the field. An early penalty was converted by Josh Numanga from wide out.
The game turned into mini-battles. The contesting and defense was tireless. Both teams had opportunities but credit to the scrambling enthusiastic defenders protecting their lines.
With eight minutes to play Grammar won a five metre line-out and proceeded to pick-and-go for six phases before sneaking over from short range. King's responded superbly and attacked relentlessly for the final period, going close on several occasions and the final whistle was sounded as both teams collapsed exhausted on the AGS try-line.
A great game but a punishing loss for King's, but by no means the end of the season. We play Saint Kentigern College on Wednesday at home after school.
Colts
Southern Cross
22-12 to King’s
No report available
Under 15’s
Sacred Heart
3-43 to Sacred Heart
No report available
4th Grade
Glendowie College 4A
17-24 to Glendowie College
Tries: George Dougherty, George Bennett, Max Doughty
The first game back after a long break was always going to be difficult against a good side. Glendowie College were very slick in the backs and they scored four tries through them. We had the dominance in the forwards, who helped create two tries for our backs. There was plenty to gain from the loss and much learnt. Thanks to Mr Putt for kindly stepping up to referee our game.
5A
Sacred Heart College
3-28 to Sacred Heart College
Tries: Ollie
The game was a challenge after our third holiday week being at the wrong end, as Sacred Heart College had an extra week of training and a game last week. This advantage showed in both teams' play.
There are two games left to qualify for the semi-finals so let’s aim for the best.
5B
Pukekohe High School
24-22 to King’s
Tries: Fergus McLay, Caide Davis, Supanut Chavanotai, Seb McDonald
Conversions: Jack Graham-Crowther (x2)
In arguably our best performance this season, we came away with a narrow win against a talented side. It was particularly pleasing that we could turn around a 10-22 half-time deficit which was mainly due to resolute defense in the last ten min of the game.
6th Grade
Auckland Grammar School
6-24 to Auckland Grammar School
Penalty: Nathan Robinson (2)
After an unbeaten run in Term 2, it was time to take on the big guns in the Top 4 Championship Grade. Unfortunately for King's, our players had the extra week holiday and the other schools all got a match last week to work out the rust. It certainly showed as we were just a little off the pace and didn't quite have all our bases covered. It also didn't help to lose five boys to camp and pick up two injuries during the match, but the boys put on a very good display nonetheless.
Auckland Grammar scored two tries in each half and were deserved winners, but there were glimpses of a King's team who will be looking forward to a potential return fixture at semi-final time. A few unforced errors cost us vital points at inopportune times, but with a bit of tweaking, I am confident of rapid improvement.
Peter Whyte was nominated as the player of the day for an excellent defensive display at 12 and doing all he could to halt the Grammar backline. He was ably assisted by the rest of the backs, but the constant flow of ball made the job incredibly difficult and points inevitably came.
7th Grade
Orewa College
24-10 to King’s
Following a very close 3-6 loss early in the week at Warkworth against Mahurangi College, our boys needed to bounce back with a good victory and certainly they achieved their goal.
From the outset, they looked more dangerous up front and out wide, leading 17-5 at half-time and completing the victory with a very nice try in the second half. It is imperative that we achieve two more wins to have a chance to make the top two final play-offs.
