Monday 26 May 2025
First XV 54 vs 22 Dilworth School
The King’s College First XV delivered a dominant performance on Saturday afternoon, defeating Dilworth 54-22 in a display of clinical rugby and cohesive team execution. From the opening, King’s looked sharp and composed, storming to a 33-5 lead by halftime and never letting go of their advantage.
The match began with immediate impact, as Charlie Burn (Year 13, School) powered over the line just two minutes in following a well-structured 20-meter line-out drive. The early momentum continued when TJ Anae-Paila (Year 13, School) showcased his athleticism, collecting his own kick-and-chase effort from nearly halfway to score and extend the lead to 14-0. Dilworth responded with a try to make it 14-5, but King’s quickly reasserted control. Johan Schaumkell’s (Year 13, School) defensive pressure led to a brilliant ball strip and a wide pass to Joseph Fatuvalu (Year 13, Averill), who crossed the try line to push the margin further.
TJ Anae-Paila added his second soon after, using his pace and vision to exploit space and cross again. Marco Miln (Year 13, Selwyn) then capped off the first-half effort with a try just before the break, giving King’s a commanding 33-5 lead.
The second half began in much the same way as the first, with Ethan Ola (Year 13, Averill) scoring just five minutes in, extending the margin to 40-5. While Dilworth showed resilience with two tries to narrow the gap to 40-17, King’s were never truly threatened. A superb passage of phase play saw Burn break through and set up Joseph Fatuvalu for his second of the match.
Dilworth managed one more try with five minutes remaining, but it was King’s who had the final say. Olly Chapman (Year 13, Selwyn) crossed the line to cap off the match, sealing a comprehensive 54-22 victory.
Key to the win was the team’s blend of strong forward dominance and slick backline execution. Smart tactical kicking, particularly from Marco Miln and Calvin Harris-Tavita (Year 12, Parnell) kept Dilworth pinned back, while the forwards consistently provided a solid platform.
Head Coach Ian Robinson added after the game:
"Proud of the boys… another 5-point win. Another step towards what we're aiming for.”
"We put a huge emphasis on a start… so getting two early tries was awesome. Second half, we let them in with a couple of errors.”
“We still have building to do… a lot of potential still to see.”
Congratulations go to Keneti Fanuatanu (Year 13, St John's) on receiving his cap after the game.
With no game next weekend, the First XV can take confidence from this performance as they prepare to face St Peter’s College on Saturday 7 June 2.30pm at King’s.
Second XV 14 vs 19 Liston College
A hard-fought battle on the King's No. 1 Field saw the 2A side take on a determined Liston College outfit. Despite some mixed results in their season so far, Liston proved they were up for the challenge, and King's met them head-on in a thrilling contest.
Both teams traded blows throughout the match, with King's showing resilience and determination to match Liston try for try. It was a true test of grit and heart, with the game hanging in the balance until the final minutes. Unfortunately, Liston's forwards found the edge in the dying stages, grinding out a decisive try deep in King's territory to seal the result.
There were moments when decisions didn't go our way, but the key takeaway from this match is the importance of focusing on what we can control. The team knows there's room to grow, and we'll channel these lessons into better performances in the weeks ahead.
Tries: Olly Chapman (Year 13, Selwyn), Noah Moss (Year 11, Parnell)
Conversion: Felix Spary (Year 12, Selwyn), Matt Cunningham (Year 12, Greenbank)
Colts 17 vs 21 De La Salle College
Blessed with another splendid morning of sunshine, you could easily be forgiven for thinking this fixture was taking place at the height of summer! The Colts XV took part in our first home fixture of the season and last pre-season friendly against a familiar foe in De La Salle, who we played three weeks ago.
Initially hoping a similar team would turn up from our original fixture to measure our progress, it became apparent that there were a few taller and wider boys in the opposition XV this time around. A great test for our young squad, we headed into the game targeting an improved performance from last week's fixture, a performance that would position us well for our first league fixture next weekend. The opening encounters were physical; whilst not offering much deception, the opposition played to their strengths and size, playing off nine frequently with big boulders. Whilst King’s weathered the early onslaught, some deficiencies in the execution of our tackling gave the opposition a good go forward, which resulted in two tries in the first 20 minutes. As the half progressed, the opposition appeared to be breathing through straws, which created opportunities to attack all over the field. However, down to skill execution of tactical discipline, we could not convert red zone entries into points until the last act of the first half, resulting in a try and bringing us within one score.
The second half began much like the first, with De La Salle applying strong physical pressure, but this time they were unable to break through the defence. Having weathered the early storm, we looked set to go until an untimely intercept try deep in our own half put us two scores behind again! Credit to the King's boys, they displayed great poise in the face of adversity, maintained a certain calmness and confidence and went back to work. Two tries later, both unconverted, left us four points behind with 6 minutes to play. Here began the King's firestorm, wave after wave of attack in the opposition's red zone, resulting in penalties and yellow cards but no score! In the last act of the game, the ball crossed the line but was deemed held up by the ref and his infrared vision and that was the game. Credit to the King's boys, they always displayed courtesy in the face of unwavering slanting from the opposition. Their hard work was the reason we walked away, and we felt like that was the game that got away. Games like this can be so useful to a team like us, provided we take the learnings from them. A big week of preparation awaits as we enter our first competitive league fixture against Southern Cross. Rest assured, we will be ready!
Tries: Jacob Heron (Year 11, Averill), Will Osbourne (Year 11, School), George Chu-Ling (Year 11, Averill)
Conversion: Toby Willis (Year 11, Selwyn)
1R Maroon 24 vs 12 Mount Albert Grammar School
We travelled across to Mount Albert Grammar School (MAGS) on Saturday to play our third and final non-competition match. The conditions were perfect for running rugby, and we had great intentions of moving the ball wide and playing an attractive style of football. MAGS showed tenacity and although we had most of the possession, they stayed with us throughout the first half. They opened the scoring with a try to their forward pack, and we replied soon after with a well-created try that was finished off by halfback Henry Main (Year 11, School). The scores were locked up at 5-all at halftime, which was probably a fair indication of the flow of the game.
In the second half, we played with a lot more control and used some accurate kicking to keep MAGS pinned down in their own half for most of the second stanza. We were able to capitalise on our field position and ran in three second half tries to centre Ryan Rickit (Year 13, School), wing Charlie Robertson (Year 12, School) and first five eight Daniel Chitty (Year 13, School). Nico Eady (Year 13, Marsden) also converted two of the three tries. A fifth try went begging when wing Barney Foote (Year 12, Averill) intercepted a MAGS pass and sprinted 75 meters, only to be dragged down just short of their line. MAGS scored one second half converted try, which should never have been allowed when the referee missed a clear and obvious knock-on. However, this did not affect the final score of 24-12, a pleasing outcome against a strong opposition.
We unfortunately sustained some serious injuries in the game, so we are looking forward to having next weekend off, as there is no sport next weekend, which will allow our injured players to recover and then prepare to commence our competition the following weekend away at Glendowie College.
Tries: Henry Main, Ryan Rickit, Daniel Chitty, Charlie Robertson,
Conversion: Nico Eady (2)
1R Gold 12 vs 20 Auckland Grammar
On a sunny day at Auckland Grammar School (AGS), our team took the field for our final pre-season fixture against a well-drilled AGS 1RB side. We were fortunate to field most of last week's players while also giving valuable game time to a few Colts players.
Despite a disrupted week of preparation, due to House Music on Wednesday limiting us to just one training session, the team remained focused and committed to executing our simple game plan.
As expected, AGS proved to be well-organised and clinical. A couple of early mistakes in our own half gave them opportunities, and their forward pack capitalised with strong pick-and-go phases inside our 22, leading to two early tries.
Our boys responded well, showing resilience and physicality. Strong carries from Jonty Le Roux (Year 11, Greenbank) and Tate Chong (Year 12, Greenbank), along with defensive leadership from Finlay Crawford (Year 12, Peart) and Tiano Mafile'o (Year 11, St John's), helped shift momentum. Sustained pressure led to a well-earned try by Archie Gore (Year 11, Selwyn), converted by Anrich Jacobs (Year 13, Greenbank), bringing the score to 10–7 at halftime.
AGS came out firing in the second half with a powerful maul drive that our forwards struggled to contain. We also found ourselves second to the breakdown, losing crucial opportunities to support our ball carriers. AGS capitalised once again, adding two more tries to extend their lead.
Nonetheless, our boys continued to show grit and determination. A brilliant solo effort from Nick Rupert (Year 13, Peart) brought us back into the game. Other standout performances came from Ollie Sinclair (Year 11, Greenbank), Archie Gore, and Ollie Perry (Year 11, Marsden), who all contributed strongly across the park.
These opening matches have provided valuable lessons, and the team now knows the level of intensity required as we prepare for our first competition fixture. A big week of focused training lies ahead.
Tries: Archie Gore, Nick Rupert
Conversion: Anrich Jacobs
6A 34 vs 15 Glendowie College
What an absolutely cracking performance from the 6A lads on Saturday over at Glendowie College!
The boys started like a house on fire, with Ashton Stewart (Year 10, Greenbank), a lightning, bursting through for the first try barely three minutes into the match – that set a brilliant and determined spirit right from the kick-off! That early spark truly ignited a first-half blaze, with Taylor Kijowski (Year 10, School) adding another fantastic try, followed by Noah Plowman's (Year 10, Selwyn) truly rock-solid drive, powering impressively through Glendowie's defensive line for a third. Credit where it's due, Glendowie showed their resolve and managed to breach our defensive line once to secure a well-earned try of their own. However, the King's spirit was simply indomitable! The second half saw our lads unleash even more firepower, adding a magnificent three more tries to their tally, with two splendid conversions sailing sweetly between the posts. And what about that King's defence – an absolute brick wall! Time and time again, they repelled Glendowie's attempts to break through, standing firm with incredible discipline and sheer determination. It was a truly dominant performance from start to finish, culminating in a fantastic final score of 34-15 to us!
Six brilliant tries and two conversions – a truly outstanding display of skill, teamwork, and heart from the King's team. To top it all off, Glendowie College was a wonderfully welcoming host, and the match ended with families from both sides fraternising over a smashing spread of hamburgers and hot dogs they kindly provided.
A grand day out for all!
Tries: Ashton Stewart, Taylor Kijowski (3), Noah Plowman (2)
Conversion: Remi O'Neil, Tomaz Ibanez
U15A 32 vs 14 Mount Albert Grammar School
On a glorious Saturday morning, the King's U15A side took on Mount Albert Grammar School, determined to bury the controversy surrounding last year's U14 match.
The team started well and through a bullocking run from the eventual player of the match Tehura Marsh (Year 10, School), he crashed over to open our account. This try was converted by Mathias Petelo (Year 10, Marsden).
Minutes later, built on the back of a penetrating run from Donnell Collins (Year 10, Averill), a cross kick was launched and a lucky bounce followed, which found the arms of a flying Caden Fuatimau (Year 10, Averill), who was able to run a try in and take our lead to 12-nil. The rest of the first half was a bit sloppy by King’s but through the good lifting work of Tolokana Pulupuna (Year 10, Marsden) and Taniela Si'ulua (Year 10, Major), our lineout was able to snatch the opposition ball, and with this added possession, we scored another try through Kavell Wiki-Rawiri (Year 10, St John's).
HT King’s 17-nil
The sweet lollies handed out at half time had the opposite effect... MAGS started with all the energy and came back into the match, scoring two good tries and converting them to make the scoreline 17-14 to King's. Manaariki Kea-Cameron (Year 10, Selwyn) then scored a good individual try to release the pressure. Two further backline attacks built off strong, stable scrums allowed Ben Leith (Year 11, St John's) to scorch down the right wing and finish a nice team try before his left-hand winger Johnny Ford (Year 10, Selwyn) said, "I can do better" and went on a scything run to dot down in his corner 5mins later.
King’s ran out eventual winners, but the team will need to stick to its game plans and have more success with goal-kicking if it is to continue winning matches.
Tries: Kavell Wiki-Rawiri, Manaariki Kea-Cameron, Caden Fuatimau, Ben Leith, Johnny Ford, Te Hura Marsh
Conversion: Mathias Petelo
U15R 5 vs 20 Howick College
The U15R team took on Howick College in the last non-competition game before our competition starts in two weeks.
Howick started strongly, scoring two quick tries in 10 minutes, putting King's down 0-10 early. However, after these tries, our attack created opportunities, led by first five Tommo Edgar (Year 9, School). King's scored our first try through captain Hugo Neville-White (Year 9, Averill) on the back of some strong, evasive running from a scrum. Howick responded quickly to make it 5-15 at halftime, meaning King's were still in the game.
In the second half, Howick retained the majority of possession, but King's defended strongly throughout, even with only one forward substitute. Howick continued to attack and force King's into our own half through kicking, which was countered well by wingers Johnny Fell (Year 9, St John's ) and Daniel Zhu (Year 9, Selwyn). Howick scored one try in the second half, with no response from King's, meaning the final score ended 5-20 to Howick.
Although the result wasn't ideal, King's knew holding a skilled Howick team to a respectable scoreline was positive. The team will work hard to improve defence and discipline before round one against Mount Albert Grammar School.
Tries: Hugo Neville-White
U14A 0 vs 24 Liston College
The Under 14 Open were looking for an improved performance after their first-round effort; this was largely an improved performance. Against a large and very physical Liston College, the King's College players did not take a step back. They conceded two tries in each half but squandered too many opportunities with the ball in hand. The set piece uncertainty also played into the opposition's hands, and there is still a lot of work to do in this area.