Monday 23 June 2025
First XV 45 vs 17 De La Salle College
Our First XV continued their strong 1A campaign with a commanding 45-17 victory over De La Salle College in front of a home crowd on Friday afternoon.
Despite conceding an early try just three minutes in, King’s quickly settled into their rhythm. Josh McKay (Year 13, School) opened the scoring for King’s in the 10th minute with a sharp finish in the corner. Soon after, a De La Salle lineout error was capitalised on by the King’s pack, allowing Johan Schaumkell (Year 13, School) to crash over and give King’s the lead.
A moment of brilliance followed five minutes later with a sweeping team try. Josh McKay made a break, supported by Christopher Hatch (Year 13, Major) and aided by slick hands from D’Angelo Tupou (Year 13, Parnell) and captain Marco Miln (Year 13, Selwyn). The ball was spread wide to TJ Anae Paila (Year 13, School), who linked up with Zion Heiloa-Savaka (Year 13, Peart) before setting up Calvin Harris-Tavita (Year 12, Parnell) to score in the corner - a try that exemplified King’s attacking class.
De La Salle slotted a penalty late in the half, but King’s held a 19-10 advantage at the break.
The second half saw no drop in tempo. Logan Marsh (Year 13, School) dotted down just two minutes in, before Heiloa-Savaka added another five-pointer in the corner, converted beautifully from the sideline by Miln. Although De La Salle struck back with a try of their own, King's were relentless. A charge-down from Olly Chapman (Year 13, Selwyn) led to Hemana Connew (Year 13, St John's) gathering the loose ball and racing under the posts.
With eight minutes to play, Miln delivered a pinpoint 50:22 kick, setting up a lineout on the five-metre line. From there, King’s executed a clinical play to send Heiloa-Savaka over for his second try of the afternoon, sealing a comprehensive 45-17 win.
After the match, Head Coach Ian Robertson shared his reflections:
“Yeah, pretty happy with it today to be honest. We moved the game to Friday to give the boys a bit of a break this weekend - it was a bit of a risk coming off a big win over Grammar last week. There's been a lot going on around school too, so there was a lot to contend with.
“But I’m really proud of how the boys pulled through. The build-up this week was really accurate, and it showed today. Some of the tries we scored were outstanding. That said, I still believe we’re only scratching the surface - there are big performances ahead. It was also great to see a few boys get some meaningful minutes out there today. Onwards and upwards.”
Congratulations go to Olly Chapman, who was presented with his cap after the game.
Our First XV will look to continue their momentum in this Saturday's final match of the term against Liston College - played at 2.30pm away.
2A 55 vs 7 St Paul's College
After a tough loss last week, the 2A team regrouped with a focus on the fundamentals - simplified running lines and stronger ruck control. That hard work paid off in style today as the team delivered a commanding performance against St Paul’s College.
Right from the opening whistle, our boys set the tone. The forwards laid a solid platform, allowing the backs to run riot with pace and precision. Their depth and direct running lines proved too much for St Paul’s defence, resulting in a flurry of tries out wide.
A standout moment came when Max Gilbert (Year 12, Selwyn), moments after being cleaned out at the breakdown, returned to the defensive line and delivered a thunderous, legal tackle on the St Paul’s powerful prop.
Strong performances came from Tolokana Jr Pulupuna (Year 10, Marsden), Jamie Ludbrook (Year 12, St. John’s), Ruka Smythe (Year 12, Parnell) and Fizunny Vakautakakala (Year 12, St. John’s), with Bassy Tupou (Year 12, Selwyn) named Man of the Match for his relentless work around the field.
Next up we play St Kentigern College on Wednesday afternoon at home.
Tries: Johnny Wilson (Year 13, Parnell) (2), Jamie Ludbrook (2), Leo Kirkland (Year 12, Selwyn) (2), Taylor Bai (Year 13, Parnell), Kace Hipkins-Tumai (Year 13, Parnell), Evile Tu’umatavai (Year 13, Major)
Conversions: Felix Spary (Year 12, Selwyn) (5)
Colts 12 vs 27 Mount Albert Grammar School
After a dreary and wet week, Saturday turned out to be an awesome day for Rugby. The Colts XV started off well but struggled to contain a bigger Mount Albert Grammar School (MAGS) forward pack, spending the majority of the match working hard to exit their own 22. When they did venture into the opposition half, the boys looked very good on attack. Ball security around the rucks, however, cost us turnover ball, loss of possession, and ultimately, territorial advantage. Life became tricky for the team when MAGS got out to a three-try lead with a halftime score of 19–0.
Yet again the team fortitude was tested and as always the boys were up for the challenge, fighting well into the second half to bring the game to a stage where a win seemed possible. 13 minutes into the second half Max Caughey (Year 12, St John’s) broke the points drought with a powerful run to score an unconverted try (Cale Ngatai, Year 11, Parnell). Phenomenal defensive nous and skills were on full display throughout the match as demonstrated by fullback Hugh Smithies (Year 11, Parnell), who saved five tries, three of which were where he was the last line of defence. Off the back of well-combined work from both forwards and backs, Finn Jones (Year 12, Parnell) finished phase play with a hard-earned try, which was promptly converted by Ngatai. MAGS had the final say in the match with a converted try, bringing up a final score of 27-12.
Some players are starting to show potential for First XV selection for next season and beyond. Consistently high performers over the last couple of weeks include Fullback Smithies, Second five-eighth Robbie Dunn (Year 11, Marsden), Winger Will Osbourne (Year 11, School), Prop Aisea Ngata (Year 11, Parnell) and Lock Sam Coulter (Year 12, School). Not only should they maintain the effort levels that they have demonstrated throughout this season, but they also need to commit to finding the 1% improvements that will make a real difference on the field. They are an example for us all.
The last two weeks have provided great learning for the boys. There is an air of confidence in the group that wasn’t there at the beginning of the season. The challenge now is to turn that confidence into wins on the field. A goal that can only be achieved through consistent high-effort levels at training. Virtus Pollet.
1R Maroon 20 vs 38 Westlake Boys' High School
We knew that our task to leave Westlake Boys' High School with a win would depend upon the way we played and that it would take the whole 70 minutes of concentration and application to achieve the desired result.
For the first 35 minutes, we were on-task to reach our goal and were in total control of the game. Westlake are a very good team, and it took time and patience to start to dominate. We scored two very well-constructed tries to captain Fraser Brown (Year 13, Peart) and openside flanker Denver Olde (Year 13, School). Daniel Chitty (Year 13, School) converted one try from the sideline and added a penalty just before the break to lead 15-5.
I was impressed with the way the boys were playing and apart from one lapse of concentration, our defence was rock solid. At half-time, the decision was made to bring on six of the reserves to pick up where we left off in the first half, adding some fresh legs and lifting the tempo to finish the match and secure what would be a hard-fought victory. However, the momentum swung in favour of Westlake in the second half and we just could not get anything going. We fell off one-on-one tackles, carried poorly and were blown off the ball in the rucks. Westlake scored five further tries, four of which were converted and all we could muster up was one unconverted try to captain Brown. The final score line of 38-20 to Westlake was a fair indication of the second-half dominance by the opposition.
This was a disappointing way to end what has otherwise been a very successful term. We now have a long four-week break, as there are no matches next weekend. Next term, we have three crucial matches against Auckland Grammar School, Sacred Heart College, and Mount Albert Grammar School - all of them at home, as we endeavour to finish in the top four and reach the semi-finals.
Tries: Fraser Brown (2), Denver Olde
Conversion: Daniel Chitty (1) Penalty (1)
1R Gold 20 vs 0 Western Springs College
On Saturday, we faced off against Western Springs College (WSC) under ideal rugby conditions - a clear, sunny day perfect for an open, running game.
After losing the toss, we kicked off. WSC came out aggressively, using their physical size and power to launch a strong attacking start that initially caught our boys off guard. However, the team quickly regrouped, showing impressive defensive commitment throughout the match.
An early WSC knock-on allowed us to reset and build momentum. From there, our team’s superior ball-handling and relentless tackling helped us gain territory and control the pace of the first half. We camped inside WSC's half for much of the opening period and were rewarded with two unconverted tries, scored by Manaariki Kea-Cameron (Year 10, Selwyn) and Benson Edwards (Year 10, Selwyn).
A standout aspect of the first half was our dominance at the ruck and breakdown, despite the size mismatch. We also secured all our lineouts, a particularly pleasing improvement. While there were a few missed scoring opportunities due to last passes or lost drives, our overall performance was strong.
In the second half, we truly took control of the game. We kept WSC pinned inside their own half and played with purpose, both in attack and defence. Although we were unable to convert several promising chances, the pressure eventually paid off with two more unconverted tries - one from Benson Edwards and another from Jack Morris (Year 10, St. John’s) - bringing the final score to a well-earned 20-0 victory.
A huge thank you to the five U15A players who joined us - your presence made a significant difference, and the entire team rose to the occasion.
This was a proud moment for us as we secured our first win of the season. The boys continue to improve each week, and their dedication to training is clearly translating into solid performances on the field. Great work, team!
Tries: Manaariki Kea-Cameron, Benson Edwards (2), Jack Morris
6A 19 vs 36 St Peter’s College
Last Friday afternoon at the Auckland Domain, the 6A team delivered a performance filled with grit and brilliance against a strong St Peter's College side. Although the final score did not favour us, the match was an intensely tight contest where the boys played with amazing spirit
A few unfortunate mistakes ultimately impacted the result, but the team's determination never wavered.
The game began with an explosive start for us. Just 17 minutes into the match, Daniel Parker (Year 9, Parnell) brilliantly anticipated a loose pass from St Peter's, seizing the opportunity to catch the ball and storm through the opposition's lines for a spectacular opening try. Coolly slotting the conversion himself, Daniel put us ahead 7-0.
The lead was short-lived, however, as St Peter's responded swiftly with a try and conversion of their own, equalising the score at 7-7.
The squad showed their attacking prowess again at the 27-minute mark of the first half. Rocco Hrstic (Year 10, School) found a gap and scored our second try, a fantastic team effort that unfortunately went unconverted, leaving the score at 12-7.
From this point, the momentum began to shift. St Peter's managed to level the score at 12-12 with a try in the 36th minute. Before the half concluded, they capitalised on opportunities, adding two more tries and a conversion, alongside a penalty kick, to take a 22-12 lead.
The second half saw St Peter's extend their advantage further. At the 51-minute mark, another converted try pushed their score to 29-12.
However, displaying the resilience that defined their performance, we fought back. Parker once again showed his talent, scoring another try and converting it to bring the score to 29-19. This moment of brilliance revived hopes for a comeback. In the end, St Peter's managed to inflict one final converted try, concluding the game at 36-19.
While a loss is always tough to take, the 6A team can be incredibly proud of their performance. They played with courage and skill in what was a thrilling and closely fought match from start to finish.
Tries: Daniel Parker (2), Rocco Hrstic
Conversion: Daniel Parker (2)
5A 5 vs 36 Auckland Grammar School
The halftime score was 5-12. We had shown tenacity, resilience and determination to stay in the game against a Grammar side who scored after 90 seconds. Although on defence the majority of the time, excellent exits plays by Will Hargrave (Year 12, Major); superb tackling by Josh McEniery (Year 10, School) and another try saving tackle by Harvey Kitt-Reeve (Year 11, St John's) meant that with eight minutes gone we were only 7-0 down.
Then after getting some pill, we got down to the opposition 22 and a great call by Liam Parker (Year 11, Parnell) to run blind allowed him to connect with Karter Harris (Year 10, Peart) who broke the line and passed to Yamato Sakurai (Year 11, Peart) who dived in at the corner. This was our best try of the season to date.
Unfortunately, we could not hold our line for the final five minutes and Grammar scored an unconverted try. This proved crucial.
We had a good halftime and appeared ready to stay in the contest. However, in a rerun of the first half, Grammar scored a soft try through the middle and under the posts after two minutes. Another try soon followed and our resistance was broken.
We still tried hard; however, set pieces proved our Achilles heel and losing our own scrums and lineouts meant that we were starved of possession. When we did have the ball, Alex Sonn (Year 10, Major) had excellent delivery from the base of rucks and mauls and Archie ‘The Beast’ McInness (Year 12, St John's) combined with Lucas Kidd (Year 12, Selwyn), both tackled and rucked relentlessly.
This was another improved performance against a team that has put over 30 points on each of the other teams in the grade. The positive is that we have no time to dwell on this with a must-win game against St Kentigern College this Wednesday.
U15A WBD vs Tamaki College
The U15A team won by default in their scheduled game against Tamaki College.
U15R 37 vs 15 Auckland Grammar School
The U15R side travelled to Auckland Grammar on Matariki Weekend and delivered a dominant performance, coming away with a convincing 37-15 victory. Grammar opened the scoring early with a penalty kick just three minutes in, but we quickly responded with pace and purpose. Five unanswered tries followed, showcasing the team’s attacking flair and cohesion.
Tries were scored by Miller Ward (Year 9, Parnell) and Sammy Berry (Year 9, St John’s), but special mention must go to James Auva’a (Year 9, Peart), who scored a hat-trick.
Grammar managed to cross the line and convert just before half-time, leaving the score at 25-10 in King’s favour at the break. The second half saw us extend our lead with two more well-worked tries. Grammar replied with one of their own, but were repeatedly denied by a series of superb tackles from Johnny Fell (Year 9, St John’s), whose defensive efforts were a standout feature of the match, alongside some fantastic runs from Daniel Zhu (Year 9, Selwyn). Scorers in the second half were Charlie Freeman (Year 9, School) and Jack Rutherford (Year 9, School), with a conversion from Hugo Neville-White (Year 9, Averill).
While the result was a strong win for us, the match highlighted some areas for improvement as the team prepares for a tough midweek fixture against Saint Kentigern College. The boys will be looking to tighten up their defence and maintain consistency throughout the full 60 minutes.
Kick-off against is at 3.45pm this Wednesday - we’d love to see a strong crowd supporting the players in what promises to be another thrilling contest.
Tries: Miller Ward, Sammy Berry, James Auva’a (3), Charlie Freeman, Jack Rutherford
Conversion: Hugo Neville-White (1)
U14A 14 vs 5 Dilworth School
We had our fifth game of the season against Dilworth School. We played some good rugby in the first half, with Freddie Evans (Year 9, Averill) and Hugh Livesay (Year 9, Marsden) being the stoutest defenders, but we were down one try at the break.
In the second half, we showed ever-increasing continuity and connection, and also managed to bravely snuff out Dilworth’s attacks - Daniel Parker (Year 9, Parnell) at fullback was particularly adept in this department. Eventually, a runaway solo try by Trey Williams (Year 9, Selwyn) and a great team try by Thomas Taylor (Year 9, Selwyn) saw us win out 14-5. Both tries were converted by Trey Williams.
Tries: Thomas Taylor, Trey Williams
Conversion: Trey Williams (2)