Zed outruns a red
New Plymouth Boys’ High School winger Zed Stewart-Cranston just makes it past Francis Douglas Memorial College’s Ben Hughes during the annual 1st XV derby at the Gully Ground in New Plymouth yesterday.
Few rugby venues in the country engender a gladiatorial atmosphere like the Gully Ground at New Plymouth Boys’ High School.
When 1st XV matches are held, the historic ground, with its highsided terraces running the length of the touchline, is packed with cheering and haka-chanting supporters from both teams and can quickly resemble a latter-day Coliseum.
Haka performed before the kickoff, with both teams challenging each other face to face, and during the game at stoppages, serve to further spark up the fervour of both supporter camps.
Visiting teams can be excused for feeling intimidated as 1000 pairs of eyes watch down on every knock-on, dropped pass, skewered kick, or missed tackle.
On a sunny afternoon yesterday, it was cross-town rivals Francis Douglas Memorial College who ventured to play NPBHS on their hallowed turf.
‘‘The ground’s setting is as good as you can get at any rugby venue anywhere in the world,‘‘ said NPBHS principal Sam Moore.
‘‘We’re very lucky to be able to host old boys and supporters from both schools, when many other grounds around the world are closed to spectators.’’
In the first half, the FDMC 1st XV dominated the home team, winning possession and keeping NPBHS tied up behind their own half.
The visitors were 5-0 at halftime, thanks to a 40-metre intercept try from first five Blake Christie, but it was short-lived.
NPBHS struck back in the second half when number 8 Che Potaka crashed over in the corner to level the score 5-5, and went 10-5 when centre Samuela Vakadula crossed the line.
Halfback Toby Barrowcliffe added a penalty, and converted Siri Rova’s try to close the game up 20-5 in the final quarter.
FDMC flanker Kade Saxton’s try, with Christie’s conversion, in extra time, ended the game with the final result 20-12.