RHS 1st XV celebrates historic win over Nelson Boys’

It could only be called an historic day in the ongoing development of Rangiora High School rugby beating Nelson College for the first time in a championship match since entering the original Press Cup back in 2011.

It was a high quality match – both sides fresh from round three losses that hurt. Both keen to not drop another match.

The game was clean, fast, physical.

RHS started well with a good set piece allowing for good front foot ball – the plan to attack the edges was well executed and the new midfield combination worked hard to connect the structure and allow space on the edges. The constant pressure saw NC give up 2 penalties which Jack Marshall converted – a 6-0 half time score looked likely until a missed connection saw the NC winger swoop on a loose ball and score out wide – halftime 6-5 to RHS.

The high standard of the 1st half continued and RHS looked to be getting on top when 15 minutes in Angus Fletcher at No.8 broke from a midfield scrum, beat the NC 1st five and ran 30 metres before linking with flanker George Prain for a try under the posts and a 13-5 lead with the successful conversion.

NC however refused to back down taking RHS on in close and after a solid period on attack scored a 5 pointer for a 13-10 RHS lead. Another penalty to Jack Marshall squeezed RHS out to a 6 point lead with not long to go. Nelson came back strongly and were awarded a try for their long fought efforts on the RHS goal line. The pressure moved to their goal kicker who missed the conversion and RHS held the lead at 16-15.

Player of the day was awarded to Blake Walesby who had a very good game at halfback, and the principals pin to Tom Lindsay.