King’s College clash perfect hit-out ahead of Japan trip
It was hard, it was close, it was physical and it was exactly what the Southland Boys’ High School first XV needed ahead of their up-coming trip to Japan.
A try with four minutes remaining secured Southland Boys’ High School a well-deserved 24-22 victory over King’s College yesterday, played in front of a few hundred spectators at the Rectory.
It was the perfect way for the home side to finish a two-game build-up ahead of their trip overseas with victory over the strong Auckland-based school.
Southland Boys’ High School are current the national top four champions, having won for the first time at the national top four finals in Palmerston North last year, and also hold the Moascar Cup, which is the Ranfurly Shield of secondary school rugby.
Southland Boys’ started strongly and raced out to a 19-0 lead on the back of some outstanding play led by some brilliant attack and strong defence.
King’s, to their credit, refused to give in and with the majority of possession in the second half were rewarded with three well-deserved tries.
The visitors then took the lead 22-19 with about seven minutes remaining through a well-struck penalty, however, the home side, who were much smaller than their opponents, refused to give up and were rewarded with a try four minutes from time. King’s College were hot on attack but staunch defence saw them held up, giving Southland Boys’ the win.
It was their final match before heading to Japan next week to compete in the Sanix World Invitation Schools Rugby Tournament.