Boys’ High put wind up Kings

Palmerston North Boys’ High School 1st XV have returned from their break in top form, beating Kings College 16-10.

Battling the mud and the wind at Boys’ High on Saturday, Kings had a hard time adapting to the conditions. But Boys’ High, who are well practised playing in high winds, gave them a master class.

Captain Brayden Iose opted to play into the wind in the first half and his team were up to the task.

Led by impressive performances by props Wesley Veikoso and Michael Ioane, they kept the ball tight and rumbled forward with their pack.

Kings opened the scoring with a penalty, but Boys’ High worked their way down field and Ioane dotted down for the try.

Kings scored a try to give them a 10-7 advantage at the break.

But with the wind at their backs, Boys’ High were clinical in the way they controlled the game.

Each time they got into trouble, they turned to Stewart Cruden who booted the ball downfield to get out of danger. Three Cruden penalties gave Boys’ High a lead they would not relinquish.

Along with the props, Iose, Matene Ruawai and James Stratton all impressed.

Boys’ High have two games left this year away to Rotorua on July 30 and away to Napier Boys’ High School for the Polson Banner on August 3.

Meanwhile, Feilding High School lost 22-5 to Napier Boys’ High School in stormy conditions in Feilding yesterday.

Feilding played into the wind, which coach Mark Mcalley believed was worth 30 points, in the first half.

Mcalley said his side put in one of their best performances of the season as they held Napier to 17 points.

But while their were many positives to take from the first half, the second half was a different story.

Mcalley said his team did not play smartly enough and failed to use the wind to get a territory advantage.

‘‘Too many forwards were hanging off wanting to ballrunners in the second half instead of winning the ball first,’’ he said.

‘‘They were two contrasting halves.’’

Feilding scored a try through lock Ben Weeks.

Fullback Josiah Maraku was the standout with his fearless running and work-rate in the tight.

Flanker Jack Kinder and wing Drew Wild were others to impress.

Feilding have two important games in the CNI remaining against St Peter’s on July 30 and Wesley College on August 6.

PHOTOS: MURRAY WILSON/ FAIRFAX NZ Varsity celebrate their Hankins Shield victory over Kia Toa.

Varsity fullback Clayton Stewart searches for a way through the Kia Toa defence.

Kia Toa replacement lock Josh Leung-wai carries Daniel Monaghan back to the sideline. The wing was earlier stretchered from the field.