King’s High, Otago Boys schools finalists
WILL we have a new champion?
Or will a familiar side claim the spoils again?
Either way, the premiership final of the Otago Premier Schools tournament shapes as a cracker.
It is King’s High School against Otago Boys’ High School, part three.
The teams have met twice this year and have a win apiece.
King’s made their way through to the final with a tense 2923 win against a talented Southland Boys’ side in Dunedin on Saturday.
The visitors led 187 at halftime but could not prevent their bigger opponents wrestling back control of the game.
Otago Boys’ had a much gentler hitout. The side dispatched Dunstan 690.
The defending champion has been gaining momentum throughout the season and rebounded from an earlier 2816 loss to King’s to beat it 138 late last month.
King’s had the better preparation, though. The side had to rally against a Southland Boys’ side which plays an exciting brand of rugby.
Powerful No 8 Joji Buli carried the ball with menace and got off some skilful offloads to help set up a couple of tries.
Blindside flanker Keanu Vanisi had a big impact on both defence and attack.
Halfback Taine Hand had a tidy game as well.
Cocoach Ryan Bambry said his side was looking forward to the rematch against Otago Boys’ High School.
‘‘It will be the last time we will play together but I’m sure they will be as excited about the game as we are.’’
The match is scheduled to be played at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
In the middle four, John McGlashan eased past Otago Boys' second XV 360 and will play St Kevin's College in the final. St Kevin's secured its berth with a 3525 win against Mt Aspiring College.
In the bottom four, Wakatipu beat the Combined Coeds 5912 and South Otago edged Waitaki Boys’ 2517 in the other semifinal.