Monday 11 May 2026
First XV 36 vs 13 St Peter's College
The First XV faced a challenging afternoon away from home on Saturday, falling 13–36 to a clinical St Peter’s College side. Despite showing flashes of attacking intent and periods of sustained pressure, King’s struggled to convert their opportunities in the final third against a resolute defensive line.
St Peter’s stamped their authority on the match early, crossing the line twice within the opening ten minutes to establish a 12–0 lead. King’s worked hard to find a foothold in the contest, utilising their set piece to build phases in the opposition 22. The pressure eventually told as the home side conceded a string of penalties, allowing Ricoh Wilson (Year 12, Greenbank) to slot two successful kicks and narrow the deficit to 6–12. However, the momentum shifted back to the hosts just before the break, as the St Peter’s forward pack combined for a powerful close-range try to take a 19–6 lead into the interval.
The second half began with a lift in defensive intensity from King’s, but St Peter’s remained clinical, capitalising on a breakthrough to extend their advantage to 26–6. King’s looked to exploit a numerical advantage after a St Peter’s player was yellow-carded following a quick tap-and-go from Wilson, yet the hosts' defence held firm on the five-metre line. The deadlock was finally broken late in the half when Bassy Tupou (Year 13, Selwyn) powered over the line for a well-deserved try, rewarding the visitors for their persistence.
In the closing stages, King’s launched one final assault into the St Peter’s 22. However, unforced errors and a lack of clinical execution prevented any further scoring, with St Peter’s eventually clearing their lines to bring the match to a close.
Reflecting on the performance, Head Coach Ian Robinson noted that while the young side may have been "shell-shocked" by the environment in the first half, the experience serves as a vital learning curve. Despite the score line, the effort from players including Donnell Collins (Year 11, Averill) at open-side flanker provided a silver lining as the team shifts its focus toward next week’s clash with Sacred Heart.
Congratulations to Robbie Dunn (Year 12, Marsden) for making his First XV debut.
King's Colts 29 vs 17 De La Salle College
The Colts XV were off to slow start in last Saturday's non-competition match against De La Salle College (DLS). Failure to exit from their own twenty-two directly from kick-off cost them ten minutes defending their line and DLS eventually broke through for an unconverted try. Whilst the Colts spent the majority of the first half in opposition territory attacking the DLS line, loss of possession carrying the ball into contact prevented them from converting that advantage into points.
DLS finally succumbed to the pressure late in the first half as Liam Parker (Year 12, Parnell) scored a try off a mistake from a DLS scrum. The conversion was unsuccessful with DLS scoring quickly in reply bringing the halftime score to 12- 5.
The boys stepped up in the second half with a much-improved emphasis on ball security and quick recycling, especially by the forwards. This set a solid platform for the backs who were dynamic on attack, executing some slick moves and strikes which resulted in two tries by Fullback Jonny Ford (Year 11, Selwyn), and Centre Wai Lee-Lemon (Year 12, Parnell), Hooker Jett Innes (Year 11, Selwyn) with a try each. Lee-Lemon converted one of these three tries. Final score Colts 29, De La Salle 17.
Our thanks to Mr Paul Morris who officiated our match exceptionally well in absence of an Auckland Rugby Union Referee.
King's 1R Gold 17 vs 50 Selwyn College
The boys put in a gutsy performance against a strong Selwyn side, and the first half was a real contest - King's going into the break just two points down at 17-19. Unfortunately, the second half got away from us and the game finished 17-50.
A special mention and sincere thank you to the Colts boys who volunteered to come off the back of their own game and make up numbers for us. That kind of commitment and team spirit does not go unnoticed, and it was greatly appreciated by everyone involved.
Tries: Liam Parker (Year 12, Parnell) (2) and Knup Nualkhair (Year 12, St. John's) (1).
Conversions: Liam Parker (1).
King's 5A 0 vs 69 St. Peter's 5A
"Failure is the only opportunity to begin again - only this time more wisely" - Henry Ford.
This was a chastening experience for all of the 5A players. While they faced a good St. Peter's team, the 5A showed naivety in all aspects of the game and hopefully the result will help them become more attune to the reality of 'young men not boys' rugby.
Though King's were 0-38 at half-time, the moments of hope came from some robust defending by Noah Plowman (Year 11, Selwyn); 'the bigger they are the harder they fall' attitude from Jack Kelt (Year 11, School); aggressive running from Hudson Hooker (Year 11, Parnell); good distribution from McQuade Ingram (Year 10, Greenbank); 'never say die' attitude from James Cunningham (Year 11, Greenbank) and a ball wrestle clinic from Lennox Williams (Year 11, St. John's).
The platitudes must go to Ethan Chatkeonopadol (Year 11, Parnell), Diego Chen (Year 11, Selwyn) and Olaf Hanson (Year 11, Selwyn) all of whom played their first full game of rugby on Saturday.
King's U15 19 vs 46 St. Peter's U15
King’s U15 faced a strong St Peter’s side at The Cage on Saturday, in a match that was far more competitive than the final score-line suggested.
The game began positively, with a solid kick-off receipt and an early carry from Mason Bryant (Year 10, School) setting the tone. King’s looked to exit well, but a missed connection in the clearance allowed St Peter’s to apply immediate pressure. Quick ball and sharp distribution saw them move it wide, exploiting space on the edge to score the opening try.
King’s responded well. From the restart, St Peter’s knocked on, giving King’s an attacking scrum. A strong run from Kalani Finau (Year 10, Peart) off the base created space out wide. A clever grubber kick behind the line was chased down brilliantly by Freddie Evans (Year 10, Averill) who grounded the ball to level the score. Daniel Parker (Year 10, Parnell) added the conversion, pushing King’s ahead 7–5.
The match remained intense, with both sides showing attacking intent. St Peter’s managed to capitalise on several opportunities, scoring three additional tries, while King’s continued to fight back. A well-worked phase deep in the opposition 22 led to Miller Ward (Year 10, Parnell) finishing strongly out wide for another King’s try.
As the game wore on, fatigue began to show, with both teams slowing around set pieces, particularly at scrums. Despite this, King’s maintained strong defensive effort, with Freddie Blagden (Year 10, School) applying consistent pressure on the St Peter’s lineout.
One area identified for improvement was the scrum, where better body height and quicker, more direct hook ball execution will help create a stronger platform.
To their credit, King’s U15 displayed determination, pride and moments of real class throughout the match. The final score did not fully reflect the intensity and competitiveness of the contest.
Match day awards:
- Biggest Hit (The Rock): Fili Seitma Autagavaia (Year 10, Peart)
- Play of the Day (The Cowboy): Daniel Parker
- Resilience & Determination (The Viking): Freddie Evans
Try scorers:
- Miller Ward - excellent pace on the wing.
- Freddie Evans - following a well-executed grubber kick.
- Max Maire (Year 10, Peart) - impactful contribution off the bench.
Conversion from Daniel Parker.
King's 6A 14 vs 15 St. Peter's College 6A
Our 6A team continues to build and improve following its first two outings, but ultimately fell short in a game of missed opportunities against a tenacious opposition who took their chances when needed.
The team was boosted during the week by the addition of players from other squads, along with boys returning from camp. We acknowledge the performances of Ollie Knight (Year 10, Major) and Luke Leuschke (Year 10, Peart), who returned from camp the day before the match and both played strongly. Knight controlled play well from the base of the scrum.
Led up front by captain Sammy Berry (Year 10, Parnell), strong lineout work from Hugo White (Year 9, Selwyn) and industrious loose play from Antony Zhou (Year 10, Peart) ensured the backs received ample possession. This was capitalised by an excellent try to Daniel Wu (Year 11, Major), which was converted by Harry Thompson (Year 10, Marsden) to give the team a 7–5 lead at halftime.
With impact players coming off the bench, it was anticipated that we could build pressure and take the game away from SPC. This belief was reinforced when Riley Gardner (Year 10, St John’s) scored a superb long-range try, converted by Tommo Edgar (Year 10, School). Unfortunately, lapses in discipline at crucial moments allowed SPC to stay in the contest, and in the final minute they slotted a long-range drop goal to secure the win.
There were many pleasing aspects to take from the match. Individual performances were strong, however, if the group can play together as a team and maintain consistency for the full 60 minutes, there is clear potential for success as the season progresses.
Tries: Daniel Wu (1), Riley Gardner (1), Will Hargrave (Year 13, Major)(1), Jarel Samisoni (Year 12, Averill)(2)
Conversions: Harry Thompson (1) Tommo Edgar (1)
King's U15R 5 vs 30 King's School
On Wednesday 6 May, our Under 15R team took on King’s School in our annual pre-season fixture. Our boys started "guns blazing," but quickly found themselves on the defensive against a very well-drilled King's School side.
Playing into a stiff headwind, the team worked tirelessly under pressure until King’s School eventually broke through with a forward's try 15 minutes in. After two more scores following several long phases of play, Sam Williamson (Year 9, School) finally found a gap to cross the line, putting us on the board and bringing the score to 17–5.
By halftime, King’s School held a 25–5 lead.
The second half was a much tighter contest. Our boys worked incredibly hard but struggled to find clinical gaps in the King’s School defensive line. The final score remained 30–5.
Well done to King’s School; we already look forward to next year’s rematch. For us, there are plenty of great learnings to take away as we head into the final two weeks of preparation before the season officially begins.
King's U15R 12 vs 46 Sacred Heart U15R
This week marked the first of our two non-competition fixtures as we build toward the start of the U15R season. On Saturday, we faced Sacred Heart U15R on King’s Number 1 field - a fantastic experience for the team to play on such a premier surface.
In a hard-fought match, we saw plenty of fast-paced running play, big tackles and the beginning of some promising new combinations across the park.
While it was a tough loss for the boys, the game provided invaluable learning opportunities. We are incredibly excited about the potential of this squad and the possibilities that lie ahead this season.
Tries: Alfie Mahony (Year 9, School) and Charlie Crighton (Year 9, Averill)
Conversion: Sam Williamson (Year 9, School)
King's U14A 17 vs 56 Liston College U14A
A promising first hit-out for a squad that is essentially two weeks old.
With only 16 players available, the challenge was always going to be significant against a Liston side already five preseason games into their preparation and well into their season before the school term had even begun.
The opening ten minutes showed real resilience from our boys, defending wave after wave of Liston attack before conceding their first try in difficult, rain-soaked conditions. The wet ball made handling a challenge for both teams, though Liston adapted to the conditions slightly better on the day.
Throughout the first half, Kings showed good game sense, using the strong wind effectively to kick out of trouble. When they did retain possession, some powerful forward carries from Sam Fifita (Year 9, Averill) and Brock Biddles (Year 9, School) put Liston under genuine pressure. However, too many loose carries and turnovers undid the hard work, with weak tackling compounding the errors. Liston punished us consistently and scored three further tries before halftime. Score at the break: 24–0.
The boys came out after the reset with energy and intent, but defensive connections remained an issue, with gaps appearing and tackling technique breaking down. Liston scored back-to-back tries before Kings had even touched the ball in the second half.
The sun emerging lifted spirits and the quality of play noticeably improved. Niko Tipping (Year 9, Selwyn) was outstanding with some determined and powerful carries, putting Kings on the front foot. Fifita finished off a well-worked move to score, drawing a loud cheer from the sideline. Shortly after, Biddles added another with a sharp pick-and-go from the breakdown.
Injuries to Tipping and Jacob Webster (Year 9, Parnell) left King's with 14 men, but the team never stopped competing. With a minute remaining, Willoughby Wheldale (Year 9, Peart) capped the afternoon with a great individual try.
Other standouts who never stopped working were Jackson Rumbold (Year 9, Parnell), Sam Fifita, Willoughby Wheldale - who led the team around the park with maturity - and Niko Tipping, who was arguably the best player on the field from either side before his injury.
A very encouraging first outing for a young group still finding their feet. There is plenty to build on.
Tries: Sam Fifita (1), Brock Biddles (1), Willoughby Wheldale (1)
Conversion: Willoughby Wheldale (1)