By Harry Pottinger-Coombes, Westlake BHS
In conditions far from ideal, two converted tries were enough for Westlake Boys to overcome
Rangitoto College 14-0 in the North Harbour 1A competition. While the two sides were relatively
evenly matched, Westlake’s defence and power in the forward pack was the deciding factor, with
their patience in the Rangitoto 22 leading to both of their tries. The driving rain and slippery ball
meant that handling errors and turnovers were committed frequently by both sides throughout the
match. For much of the first half, neither team came close to scoring, with the game being played
back and forth around centre field. The penalty count began to rise for both teams with high tackles
leading to two yellow cards issued within 10 minutes of each other. Rangitoto twice opted to kick for
goal off a penalty however despite excellent wind judgement by the first-five Caleb Leef, they both
missed and the score remained 0-0. This changed right on halftime as Westlake’s No. 8 Lotu Inisi was
able to break through the Rangitoto defence before being tackled 5 metres from the line. Westlake
remained close to the tryline for phase after phase, patiently building, before winning a penalty and
No. 6 Tupou Afungia tapped and dived over to score. This was converted giving Westlake a 7-0 lead
at halftime.
In the second half, Westlake came out attacking with more fluidity and cohesion but handling errors
meant they were unable to capitalise. This changed when a quick tap and break from reserve hooker
David Toia put Westlake hot on attack in the Rangitoto 22. The defence were unable to recover as a
quick cleanout from Westlake put Lotu Inisi into a gaping hole and he scored just to the left of the
sticks. This was easily converted and the score did not change before fulltime, giving Westlake a hard
fought but deserved win. Rangitoto stayed in the game, defended well and had some chances on
attack but Westlake won the day and the return match in the second round will be much
anticipated.
In the other 1A fixtures Birkenhead beat Massey 8-0 for the first time, Rosmini defeated Whangarei
35-23 away and Takapuna won 21-0 over Orewa.
1A Points:
Westlake 19, Rosmini 15, Rangitoto 14, Takapuna 13, Massey 6, Orewa 4, Birkenhead 4, and Whangarei 1.
In the Open B grade, Kristin 1 st XV drew with Rosmini 2 nd XV 19 all, Long Bay 1 st XV edged Northcote
1 st XV 11-5, Whangaparaoa 1 st XV overwhelmed Massey 2 nd XV 58-0, Westlake 2 nd XV were too strong
for Kaipara 1 st XV 41-0 and Mahurangi 1 st XV had the bye.
Open B Points: Rosmini 2 nd XV 11, Mahurangi 1 st XV 10, Westlake 2 nd XV 10, Whangaparaoa 1 st XV 10,
Long Bay 1 st XV 9, Kaipara 1 st XV 5, Kristin 1 st XV 3, Northcote 1 st XV 1 and Massey 2 nd XV 0.
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