Boys’ High wins bragging rights
A late penalty kick by New Plymouth Boys’ High School ensured first XV bragging rights continued in the cross-city rivalry against Francis Douglas Memorial College on Wednesday.
In a fast, passionate match that lived up to expectations, the 22-19 victory enabled Boys’ High to retain the George-Carroll Trophy.
The winning penalty came at an intense time for both teams as Francis Douglas had worked hard to clear from their own half, after defending for an extended period.
After an earlier penalty kick missed, Francis Douglas had the opportunity to make the ball dead and for the game to end in a 19-all draw.
Instead they ran the ball out of their in-goal, turned the ball over and gave away a penalty in front of the posts.
After the successful penalty, no-side was blown and a strong contingent of Boys’ High supporters ran onto the field in celebration. In contrast, the Francis Douglas players held their head in their hands in disappointment.
Boys’ High showed dominance in the first half, scoring two converted tries to take a 14-11 lead at the break.
Showing resolve, Francis Douglas fought back hard in the second half and, assisted by the accurate boot of first five-eighth Jacob Kneepkens, eventually locked the scores up at 19-all with 10 minutes remaining.
The match was the 23rd official encounter between the two sides and the 12th game that has been decided by 11 points or less. Boys’ High have won 17 of these, Francis Douglas five and one match has been drawn.
Boys’ High completed a clean sweep for the day by winning all the other matches. It claimed the second XV win 72-5, U15 rugby 17-10, basketball 86-74, golf 4-2, hockey 9-0 and football 1-0.
Boys’ High showed dominance in the first half, scoring two converted tries to take a 14-11 lead at the break.