By Trey Tupu-South of Westlake BHS
Positioned in fourth place and only two points clear of Whangarei in the overall standings, all of the pressure lay on Rangitoto to perform this week, during the twelfth round of the North Harbour rugby 1st XV competition, in order to cement their place in the competitions semi-finals, 13 August. Despite the team’s best attempts to avenge their 41-19 loss from earlier in the season, in the end Massey managed to hold the team to a painfully close 15-3 loss.
As expected Rangitoto began the game with fierce determination, running with great intent and committing more numbers to the breakdown. Their efforts were rewarded early on with a penalty kick forty metres out and in front of the posts, however, first five and captain Matt Millar failed to convert. Unable to penetrate Massey’s strong defensive line, Rangitoto eventually gave way to the running strength and agility of their mid field runners and usual standouts, second five Sam Samu, centre Alex Tavita and fullback Dave Puleiala. The three have lead the team’s offense throughout the season, performing arguably as well as any in New Zealand’s secondary school competition, this week witnessed no exception. Although, Massey suffered a yellow card to a tight forward, their onslaught continued, thanks to the fast feet and strong fend of their mid-field. Subsequently forced against their line, Rangitoto’s loose head prop Hamish Woodd showcased great heart and determination by throwing himself at the opposition. Although, Massey were eventually awarded a penalty kick ten metres out in front of the posts, one easily slotted by left winger Ryan MacMillan. Under a relentless onslaught, Rangitoto tried to take advantage of playing 14 men but instead Massey took full control of the game with second five Samu pushing over in the left hand corner. Although Rangitoto was able to create momentum of their own, late in the half, when centre Anton Ronald intercepted the ball at half way, the team failed to convert the opportunity into points and as a result the first half finished with Massey ahead 8-0.
In the second half Rangitoto’s captain Matt Millar took full control and utilized a greater kicking game to give his team the momentum. An early chip kick performed by the first-five and collected by second-five Caleb Foster, saw left winger Josh Corrigan take the ball to the left hand corner of the field before being taken out in a tremendous try saving tackle performed by Massey’s MacMillan. Although the team failed to take advantage of this opportunity, their halfback Morgan Huggins eventually managed to salvage some points, successfully converting a penalty kick twenty metres out and to the left of the posts. Millar continued his great kicking performance in the second half, pinning Massey in their twenty-two. Although Rangitoto managed to keep Massey down their end of the pitch, their defence proved to be impenetrable. On top of this, Rangitoto ultimately cemented their loss by choosing to tap and run rather than opt for the penalty kick a number of times. Eventually Massey’s midfield stepped up yet again to turn the momentum in their teams favour one last time. Managing to reach Rangitoto’s twenty-two for the first time in the second half, twenty-five minutes in, full back Puleilala added insult to injury by stepping his opposing number and sealing the win with a converted try under the posts. Massey finished the game strong with a 15-3 win.
Rangitoto’s loss and Whangarei’s 46-0 win over Birkenhead witnessed a change in the standings, with new comers to the North Harbour competition, Whangarei BHS, managing to make the championship semi-finals in their rookie year.
In the other games Westlake put away Takapuna 54-15 and Rosmini thumped Orewa 43-3. This confirmed the semi-final spots for 13 August – Championship semi’s are Westlake vs Whangarei and Rosmini vs Massey with the Plate semi’s being Rangitoto vs Birkenhead and Orewa vs Takapuna, with all semi’s at the top seed school. The Championship final is at 5.15pm Thursday 18 August as curtain-raiser to the opening Mitre 10 Cup fixture – North Harbour vs Counties Manukau. The Plate final will be at the top seed school on Saturday 20 August.
1A Points: Westlake 64, Rosmini 62, Massey 49, Whangarei 35, Rangitoto 32, Orewa 16, Takapuna 14 and Birkenhead 2.
In the 1B division, Westlake 2nd XV defeated Northcote 1st XV 24-0, Rosmini 2nd XV edged Long Bay 1st XV 13-7 and Mahurangi 1st XV put away Kristin 1st XV 46-10. In the 1C grade, Rangitoto 2nd XV beat Albany 1st XV 20-10, Kaipara 1st XV thumped Whangaparaoa 1st XV 65-12 and Massey 2nd XV had the bye.
1B Points: Mahurangi 16, Westlake 2nd XV 14, Rosmini 2nd XV 13, Northcote 8, Long Bay 5 and Kristin 1.
1C Points: Kaipara 14, Massey 2nd XV 13, Whangaparaoa 5, Rangitoto 2nd XV 5 and Albany 0.
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