Feilding win physical battle against Gisborne

The Feilding High School boys first XV claimed the scalp of Gisborne Boys’ High in their final hitout before the Central North Island competition starts.

Feilding won the clash 17-10 at Napier on Friday, with Feilding starting the CNI competition against Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth next weekend.

Feilding have a young team this year, with almost half of their squad in year 11, but they matched Gisborne in a physical battle, taking them on in the forwards.

They were a bit rusty having not played since before the school holidays, but scored three tries to one and created other opportunities.

Feilding led 12-0 at halftime and they scored a try each in the second half.

Ball carriers like star No 8 AJ Malili-malo-lauano and tighthead prop Pale Mariner made inroads, setting it up for their backs.

Centre Matt Florence was sharp and scored a try, while wing Nickster Tafolo grabbed a double.

Meanwhile, the Palmerston North Boys’ High School put in a sharp performance in a 45-7 win over Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth on Thursday.

Boys’ High got on top early and led 14-0 before Francis Douglas came back at them and the game evened up.

They scored a try each before halftime for Boys’ High to lead 21-7 at the break, then Boys’ High took control in the second spell, scoring three more tries.

Francis Douglas had them under pressure at scrum time, but Boys’ High were on top otherwise.

Prop Zane Munn had another strong game, while year 11 openside flanker Tom IllstonPark was impressive.

Ben Minhinnick and second five-eighth Leo Gordon were the pick of the backs.

Boys’ High’s next game is against St Patrick’s College Wellington in the capital next weekend.