Roncalli’s second half fightback falls short

Roncalli College’ First XV’s brave second half performance was not enough to rein in St Thomas’ College in their annual inter-school clash in Christchurch.

St Thomas won 46-22 after being up 26-0 at the break, in a game that doubled as a Crusaders Schools Championship match-up.

In an impressive second half Roncalli’s notched up their first four try bonus point, which has lifted them off the bottom of the ladder to leave Burnside High School last spot.

Coach Dave Richardt said it was Roncalli’s best performance of the season. ‘‘The boys played really well, They realised what they are capable of.’’ ‘‘We were up against some pretty big St Thomas boys.’’

St Thomas also used some dubious defence and had three players yellow carded for high tackles.

For Roncalli second five Inia Kolinasau and openside Will Harding-Richardt, who came on in the second half, both bagged two tries against the eighth placed side. Lock Siale Siale and No.8 Ben Stickings also had excellent games, carrying the ball well and were strong on defence.

Harding-Richardt was also prominent when he came on while halfback Ben McKechnie put in a very tidy performance and was the best of the backs. Richardt said he was especially pleased with the efforts of his substitutes.

‘‘They came on and had an impact. Inia also played well, he was hard to stop and defended well.’’

Richardt said the team spirit was good and their second half had shown what they were capable of. Roncalli will have a good chance to notch their first win at home against Burnside on August 8, if they cannot pull off an upset before then.

Timaru BHS First XV travels to Dunedin on Wednesday to take on Otago Boys’ High School in their traditional inter-school fixture.