Boys’ High get through to final

The Palmerston North Boys’ High School first XV is through to the Hurricanes final after a come-frombehind 24-22 win over Scots College.

Boys’ High will now play Hastings Boys’ High School in the final in Palmerston North this weekend, with the winner qualifying for the national top four next month.

Boys’ High were last in the Hurricanes final in 2014, losing 34-17 to Scots.

But on Saturday Boys’ High was too good for Scots in Wellington, fighting back from 17-0 down.

Scots scored three tries inside the first 15 minutes from set piece moves, where Boys’ High fell off tackles.

Once Boys’ High fixed up their defence and hung on to the ball, they were much better.

Scots, who regularly tapped and went from penalties, still led 17-0 at halftime, but Boys’ High scored three tries of their own in the second spell and took the lead 21-17.

Scots scored again to make it 22-21 with five minutes to go, but a penalty from sharp shooter Ruben Love put Boys’ High back in front and they survived one last attack from Scots.

Prop Raymond Tuputupu was Boys’ High’s best player, putting in a lot of work on defence and hitting rucks.

Wing Kalani Grant played well and fullback Love scored a try to go with three conversions and a penalty.

Hastings beat St Patrick’s College Silverstream 37-10 in their semifinal.

The Feilding High School first XV will play Wellington’s Aotea College in the Hurricanes co-ed final this weekend and the Manukura girls first XV will play St Mary’s College, from Wellington, in the girls’ final.