Boys’ High takes home shield
Napier Boys’ High School 3rd XV is the proud owner of the Unison Shield for the second year in a row, after defeating Wairoa College recently in the Unison Secondary School Rugby Challenge Shield final.
Played as the curtain raiser to the Magpies versus Counties Manukau home game, Napier Boys’ High School came away with a 32-5 win against Wairoa College.
Napier Boys’ High School 3rd XV captain Toby Higgins said even though Wairoa brought their A-game, the boys played well and maintained their structure.
“It was a good game and the boys played well. Wairoa brought it to us, but at the end of the day we stuck to our structure and managed to get the ball into the wider channels which resulted in some pretty good tries.
“There were a few words that went around in the lead up given we had been up to Wairoa and got a bit of a hiding (25-0), so that was in the back of our minds a little bit heading in to the game. But we just gave it all we’ve got, and obviously came away with the win.
“The 1st XV won yesterday as well so it’s been a good weekend for Napier Boys’, we’re pretty happy.”
The Challenge Shield is part of Unison’s sponsorship with the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union and an extension of its junior rugby programme. In presenting the shield on behalf of the Unison Group, relationship manager Danny Gough said Unison was proud to support the region’s rising rugby stars.
“We get a real thrill out of supporting local rugby at this level, and I personally look forward to this match every year.
“Many of these players have come right through our junior rugby programme, and their passion for the game is evidently still strong. As long as this is the case they are leading active lifestyles, which is what we want to see in our communities.”
Mr Gough presented each player of the winning team with a medal, as well as putting on a pre-match breakfast.