Hamilton BHS get one over HBHS, ready for NBHS in Saturday’s final
Hastings BHS 0 Hamilton BHS 26
Disappointment was written all over the face of Hastings Boys’ High School 1st XV rugby coach Tafai Ioasa after his troops were walloped 26-0 by Hamilton Boys’ High School in Hastings on Saturday.
The teams shared the Super 8 title last year but Hamilton proved why they will be hosting Napier Boys’ High School in this coming weekend’s final and Ioasa’s lads have to accept third place in the Super 8. Hamilton were dominant in all facets of play.
“We didn’t front . . . it was really disappointing,” Ioasa said. “Individually the boys stood up but not collectively.”
The hosts were on the wrong end of an 11-6 penalty count and Ioasa said his players struggled with interpretations.
The hosts’ frustration was evident in the final minutes when substitute prop Corban Kireka was red-carded for punching.
Hastings Boys’ High School will host Palmerston North Boys’ High School on August 18 in a match they must win to keep their hopes of retaining their Hurricanes region title alive, as well as the opportunity to retain their National Top Four title.
“The positive is we’ve got a fortnight to prepare for that game,” Ioasa added.
Hamilton Boys’ produced their best performance of the season, an ideal 18th birthday present for centre Josh Calvert.
Halfback Cortez-Lee Ratima was classy and winger Leweni Mocekaca made the most of his limited opportunities in the difficult conditions.
Captain Tom Martin and fellow flanker Jake Ross were workaholics.
“Jake might not be the biggest of flankers around but there wouldn’t be any with a bigger heart than his,” delighted Hamilton coach Nigel Hotham said.
Like Ioasa, Hotham had four regular starters from his 2017 squad back and there was plenty of talk in his camp about gaining revenge for last year’s 25-17 loss in the national Top Four final.
On Saturday’s display, Hotham’s team will have to start favourites against Napier Boys’ High School this week.
“I had a coffee with Brendon [NBHS coach Ratcliffe] this morning. Next week we go to war,” Hotham added.
Scorers: Hamilton Boys’ High School 26 (Cortez-Lee Ratima, Carlos Karaitiana, Tom Martin, Leweni Mocekaca tries; Demante Murray 3 cons) Hastings Boys’ High School 0. HT: 12-0.