Otago too good for Timaru Boys’
Timaru Boys’ High First XV proved no match for a big, strong Otago Boys’ High School side.
Played in Dunedin, Otago Boys’ took control of the second half to cruise to a 36-5 win, scoring five tries to one.
Otago second five Burns Mills put an excellent goal kicking display landing five out of six attempts, while another former Timaruvian, halfback James Arscott also played very well.
TBHS were somewhat unlucky to be down 14-0 at the break after Otago scored from a charged down kick and then a lineout drive, but the second half was all the hosts.
TBHS coach Gavin Miller said Otago were a very good, well drilled team.
‘‘Otago took over the game in the second half and we didn’t have any answers. They are a big, strong side and a level above anything we have in the UC Championship Schools).’’
‘‘Their No.7 Taine Te Whata was outstanding.’’
For TBHS prop Shane Fikken scored the only try and played very well.
Captain Cullen Grace never gave up, while hooker Melvin Paui (Crusaders was also into everything.
Second five Brad Cvitanich was the best of the TBHS backs.
For Otago Mills also showed maturity with his kicking game and passed well while lock Sean Jansen was excellent in the lineouts, including stealing a number of TBHS throws.
TBHS will need to regroup quickly for their crucial UC Championship game against Marlborough Boys’ High School in Blenheim on Saturday.
TBHS will also be without wing Hamish Schmack, who was knocked unconscious while attempting a tackle on Te Whata, while first five Dean Andrews will also be a doubtful starter after limping off.
The win meant Otago retained the Ian Sawyers Trophy for the seventh straight year.
Otago Boys’ coach Ryan Martin was generous in his praise of TBHS.
‘‘I’ve had the Otago First XV seven years straight and that was the best Timaru Boys’ side I have seen.
‘‘Their pack was very good and the 12 (Cvitanich) was a direct and strong runner.’’
Martin said his side were on a par with the Otago First XV of 2012, which made it all the way to the final of the national Top Four First XV competition.
Over the 91 occasions the First XVs have meet Otago have won 54 to TBHS’s 34, with three drawn.