Southland BHS conquer CBHS
Southland Boys’ High School have been crowned South Island rugby champions for the first time in 13 years.
The Invercargill school beat Christchurch Boys’ High School 41-20 in Christchurch on Saturday to win the South Island title.
The victory means Southland Boys’ now qualify for the national top four finals and will take on Auckland’s Mt Albert Grammar School on Friday.
The winning team will progress to the national final on Sunday and the loser take part in the third and fourth playoff. Hastings Boys’ High School and Hamilton Boys’ High School will play in the other semifinal.
The last time Southland Boys’ won the South Island title and advance to the national top four final was in 2003. That day captain and prop Jamie Mackintosh scored three tries as Southland Boys’ beat Christchurch Boys’ 25-15 in the 2003 final.
Southland Boys’ made a sublime start to lead 19-0 at one stage in the first half and went into halftime with a 19-10 lead.
It was reduced to 19-15 before Southland Boys’ hit back to make it 24-15.
But yet again Christchurch Boys’ struck back as the two teams traded shots setting up what looked like a thrilling finish at 24-20.
Southland Boys’ however stormed home.
Halfback Hay Renton landed two penalties before captain Flynn Thomas and Renton scored tries to push out to an impressive 41-20 scoreline.
‘‘Don’t get me wrong, we played very well, but the scoreline probably was a bit flattering. It was a tough battle,’’ Hall said.
‘‘It’s a tough place to go up to and win, it is a school with a lot of history so we are stoked to go up there and get the result.
‘‘The boys are off to the big dance now so we get to go up and have a shot at winning the national title now.’’