Monday 18 May 2026
First XV 15 vs 51 Sacred Heart College
The First XV faced a challenging afternoon away from home on Saturday, falling 15–51 to a destructive Sacred Heart College side. Despite showing flashes of attacking intent and periods of sustained pressure during the first half, King’s struggled to convert their opportunities in the second half and allowed Sacred Heart College to execute wave after wave of attack to score their points.
The game started well for King’s with Ricoh Wilson (Year 12, Greenbank) opening the scoring with an excellent team try that was not converted. Sacred Heart attacked and scored an unconverted try next. King’s put many phases together to allow Naki Kea-Cameron (Year 11, Selwyn) to score on the right hand edge which Ricoh converted. Sacred Heart then came back and scored a converted try to even the scores. Ricoh then kicked a penalty with 7 minutes left in the first half for King’s to lead but Sacred Heart kicked a penalty on half time to have the score even 15-15 at the break.
The second half began with a lift in attacking intent by Sacred Heart which lead to a try 5 minutes into the half. A further penalty took the score out to 15-25 in favour of Sacred Heart. When King’s did have the ball they were attacking with intent but errors at vital times let Sacred Heart have the ball back. This allowed them to get into their attacking flow and in the last ten minutes of the game they scored three tries.
Ricoh Wilson and Naki Kea-Cameron had very good games and in the forwards Sam Coulter (Year 13, School), Josiah Fifita (Year 12, Averill) and Finn Thompson (Year 12, School) kept working hard until the final whistle.
Congratulations to Karson Hawkins (Year 13, Parnell) for making his First XV debut.
There were a number of injuries during the game that will need to be monitored before next weekend when the team takes on St Kentigern College away.
Second XV 36 v 24 Liston College
On a perfect morning in West Auckland, the King’s College Second XV were forced to work hard for an important victory in a physical and highly competitive contest against Liston College.
King’s got off to a rocky start, conceding an early try as Liston applied strong pressure through direct and physical running, particularly through the midfield. Despite the early setback, King’s gradually settled into the game and began to build momentum through improved ball retention and improved defensive intensity.
Some excellent interplay between the backs and forwards allowed flanker Reid Thompson (Year 12, Parnell) to pop up on the left wing to dot down for King’s opening try. This was followed soon after by two more tries from winger Leo Kirkland (Year 13, Selwyn), who proved a handful all morning for the Liston defence.
Liston responded shortly after half-time to bring themselves back within a converted score of the visitors. However, King’s began to play a more territory-based game, using the slope to their advantage, which eventually paid off when Jamie Tauelangi (Year 11, Marsden) scored from a dominant lineout maul. More excellent interplay between the backs and forwards then allowed replacement winger Ben Leith (Year 12, St John's) to score and stretch the King’s lead.
Liston were able to score from the final play of the game, but it did not prevent King’s from registering their second win of the campaign. King’s showed impressive resilience to fight their way back into the match, eventually taking control during the latter stages and securing a well-deserved victory.
James Reyburn - Coach
King’s 1R Maroon 28 - 29 Westlake Boys High School
Our second and final non-championship match vs Westlake, played on our No 1 field on Saturday, it could definitely be summed up as a game of two halves.
The first quarter of the match was an arm-wrestle and slowly. We gained the ascendancy and opened the scoring with a well-created try to No 8 Josh Want (Year 13, Major). Matt Cunningham (Year 13, Greenbank) converted and we led 7 - 0. A piece of individual brilliance by Matt Cunningham was created and completed by himself, into a second try, that he also converted, to push the lead out to 14 - 0. Just before the halftime whistle, Westlake pulled one converted try back so it was 14 - 7 at the break.
All 7 reserves were brought on at halftime and we prepared for a strong second half comeback by the opposition. They scored an unconverted try and we led 14 - 12, but then we were able to create a third try to fullback replacement Charlie Rutherford (Year 12, Greenbank). Matt Cunningham once again converted and we were back out to a 9-point lead 21 - 12, going into the final quarter. Westlake scored another two unconverted tries and they then led for the first time in the match, by a single point. Again, Westlake scored another try, but this time their kicker was able to convert and they led by 8 points 29 - 21, with not much time left on the clock.
Prop Finlay Crawford (Year 12, Peart), scored our fourth and final try, which Matt Cunningham once again converted and the match ended 29 - 28 to Westlake. Although we did some really good things, particularly in the first half, some good lessons were also learned, that we will need to address and improve upon before we play Mount Albert Grammar School at home next week, in our first championship match.
Tries: Josh Want (1), Matt Cunningham (1), Charlie Rutherford (1), Finlay Crawford (1)
Conversions: Matt Cunningham (4)
Daryl Williams - Coach
King’s 1R Gold 14 v 34 Auckland Grammar School
It was a great effort from the team on Saturday. Despite a slow start, the boys fought back and delivered a successful second half. I want to give a big shout out to Lachlan Wong (Year 12, St John’s) for scoring two tries, and to the rest of the team for playing a key role in our build-up during this final pre-season game.
Additionally, thank you to the 2A players who stepped in to help. We truly appreciate your contribution and hard work.
Noah Whata - Coach
King's 5A 0 - 47 Sacred Heart College 5A
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” – Vince Lombardi
This is was a different King's team to the previous week and in this case the score does not truly reflect the improvement. Every player gave his all and in that they can all be proud of their efforts.
The first half started with real intensity and solid tackles by Ethan Chatkeonopadol (Year 11, Parnell) and Freddie Dryden (Year 11, School) set the tone of endeavour which all the boys stepped up to. In the backs Tom Victor (Year 11, Parnell) belayed his size with some great tackling and Jack Kelt (Year 11, School) never took a backward step. Sammie Richardson (Year 11, St Johns) was aggressive around the ruck and Jack Freeman (Year 11, School) was a willing carrier. Despite never really threatening the line we defended well. The play of the half was Nico Fleming (Year 11, Greenbank) who had the willingness to take his man on the outside, scoot down the wing, hit and twist and present the ball for the forwards.
Half-Time: King's 0 - 24 Sacred Heart
Noah Plowman (Year 11, Selwyn); started the most impressive moment for King's when he went on a run and threw off opposition players as if he was Hulk Hogan. This drive led to a period of sustained pressure and the team managed 9 phases of attack play but the prize of a try eluded us. Aggressive running from Hudson Hooker (Year 11, Parnell); and Zac Ogg (Year 11, Selwyn) were also a stand out in this period. There was a good debut from Arthur White (Year 11, Selwyn) and Charlie Andrews (Year 10, Selwyn).
Points: Noah Plowman, Jack Kelt, Lennox Wiliams (Year 11, St John's).
We bonded well as a group and while there are skills to be developed, the start of the competition next Saturday is not as daunting as it was 7 days ago.
King’s U15 15 vs 24 Liston College
The King’s U15 team journeyed out west to Liston College on a beautiful sunny day, setting the scene for a strong contest.
King’s defence showed real determination early on. Willie Thomson (Year 10, St John’s), Max Maire (Year 10, Peart), and Charlie Freeman (Year 10, School) all made crucial tackles on the line, holding Liston out through multiple phases. However, after sustained pressure, Liston broke through to score the opening try after 10 minutes.
As the half progressed, King’s struggled at times with defensive spacing and discipline, conceding penalties that allowed Liston to build momentum. A second try followed from a kick-off situation, extending Liston’s lead.
There were positive signs for King’s, with Daniel Parker (Year 10, Parnell) showing great awareness to gain territory and create an attacking opportunity. While execution at the lineout didn’t quite come off, the intent and structure were improving.
The second half saw a noticeable lift in energy. With better intensity and belief, King’s pushed deep into Liston territory. A well-worked switch play between Daniel and Josiah led to a deserved try, finished by Daniel, reflecting the progress the team is making week by week.
Liston responded with a try from the back of a scrum and added another through midfield play, but King’s continued to compete strongly. Their resilience paid off with another late try, highlighting their determination and growing attacking cohesion.
This was another step forward for a King’s side that is steadily improving. While there are still areas to develop, particularly around set piece consistency and defensive shape, the boys are building well. Their effort, resilience and willingness to keep competing are clear signs that progress is being made each week.
Play of the Day (The Cowboy): Leo Waide (Year 10, School)
Biggest Hit (The Rock): Max Maire
Resilience & Determination (The Viking): Freddie Evans
Tries: Daniel Parker (2), Leo Waide (1)
King’s 6A 19 – 43 Sacred Heart College 6A
Our 6A team wrapped up its preseason campaign with another valuable learning experience against a well-organised Sacred Heart side, who made the most of their opportunities. Discipline once again proved to be our failing. 50/50 calls went against us, which kept the team under pressure and we were unable to build sustained momentum.
The game began with Sacred Heart being awarded a penalty try. They followed this with another unconverted try to extend their lead to 12–0. King's responded well. Building pressure through phases, the team earned a deserved try through Tommo Edgar (Year 10 School), which he successfully converted. This saw us head into half-time trailing narrowly at 7–12.
The second half started positively, with the team continuing their momentum. Edgar crossed again for his second try to level the scores at 12–12, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. However, discipline and some tough calls again impacted our ability to stay in the contest. A yellow card reduced us to 14 players, and during this period Sacred Heart capitalised, scoring two unconverted tries and one converted try.
Despite the challenges, the boys showed determination. Hunter Izzard (Year 10 Selwyn) scored a well-worked try, converted by Sammy Berry (Year 10 Parnell) and narrowing the gap, however Sacred Heart had the final say, finishing the game with another converted try.
There are clear lessons. Playing as a TEAM and maintaining discipline across the full 60 minutes will be crucial to season success. The team has shown glimpses of what they’re capable of.
Attention now turns to a big week ahead as we prepare for our first competition match against St Kentigern College next Saturday.
Tries: Tommo Edgar (2), Hunter Izzard (1),
Conversion: Sam Berry (2)
U15R 24 vs 20 Mt Albert Grammar School U15R
In our final non-competition fixture, we came up against a very evenly matched Mount Albert Grammar U15R team for our first away game of the year at May Road Park.
Our boys started strong and put together some excellent combinations. The forwards worked tirelessly in the tight stuff, and the backs clicked beautifully, allowing us to head into the halftime break with a 21–10 lead.
The second half proved to be a real test of character. We found ourselves on the defensive for the majority of the second half with only a few attacking opportunities, but the boys dug deep to hold on for a thrilling 24–20 victory.
It was a fantastic team performance where everyone truly came together as a unit.
Tries: Charlie Crighton (Year 9, Averill) (3)
Conversions: Sam Williamson (Year 9, School) (3)
Penalties: Sam Williamson (1)
This was a great result and the perfect confidence booster as we head into the official 2026 season this Saturday!
King's U14A 17 vs 34 Dilworth College
A brave and much-improved performance from the boys in our first home game of the season.
Kings started strongly but, similar to last week, ball retention proved to be the key challenge - forced passes and loose carries undoing some promising attacking play. Despite creating genuine try-scoring opportunities, the team conceded three first-half tries and went into the break trailing 19–0.
The positives from the first half were clear, however. Lineout and scrum execution showed real improvement, and the commitment at ruck time was noticeably better than the week before.
The second half told a more complete story of what this team is capable of. Kings came out with renewed intent and better ball retention. Dilworth extended the lead to 24–0 early in the half, but that only sparked the comeback.
Strong forward carries created the platform, and Brooklyn Collins (Year 9, Averill) finished well for our first try — 24–5. The momentum continued, with Kaal-el Tautari-Clarke (Year 9, St John's) and Brooklyn combining with the forwards to work King's back down the field, and the powerful Sam Fifita (Year 9, Averill) drove over to make it 24–10. From the kick-off, our forwards kept the pressure on, releasing Izzy Kepu (Year 9, Peart) for a stunning 60-metre break that took us to within a metre of the Dilworth line. A turnover followed, but a charged-down clearing kick allowed Willoughby Wheldale (Year 9, Peart) to score under the posts — 24–17. Game on.
Unfortunately, as fatigue set in, ball retention became an issue again and Dilworth took advantage of tired legs to score two late tries and close out the game 34–17. The boys can hold their heads up high. A significant improvement across the board, and with character and resilience in abundance, there is plenty to build on.
It is also worth noting that King's fielded just 16 players against a Dilworth side of 25 — a remarkable effort under the circumstances.
Player of the Day: Brooklyn Collins - selected by Dilworth Coach Mitch. Well deserved.
Tries: Brooklyn Collins (1), Sam Fifita (1), Willoughby Wheldale (1)
Conversion: Niko Tipping (Year 9, Selwyn)
Troy Simanu - Coach