TBHS ready for the challenge

Timaru Boys’ High School first XV have a shot at making the Crusaders’ Region Schools Championship final for the first time since 2008.

TBHS take on unbeaten Christchurch Boys’ High School on their turf after sneaking into the top four.

On paper TBHS have little chance of lifting the Press Cup but surprises have been their speciality throughout the 2014 season and they could just do it.

They are a side without stars but have the ability to play for each other and have punched above their weight all season.

However, it will be a huge task as Christchurch Boys’ High School have racked up 572 points this season, more than double that of TBHS and have six of the competition’s 12 top try scorers.

TBHS coaches Shane Enright and Ken Wills have woven together a well disciplined, tight unit and being the underdogs seems to suit them.

Enright said they are going into the game with a very positive approach.

‘‘We have a plan that we think will make us competitive and we are a much better side than when we met them in the May fixture,’’ he said.

Enright said Wills’ no nonsense coaching style on the forwards and it had paid dividends.

The pack has also been competitive and the key in the front row has been Graison Dale.

Dale has dropped 12kg from last season and has been a rock in the scrums and as well as having an impact around the field.

Lock Ben Dewsbury has offered a good supply of ball at No 2 in the lineout.

In the loose forwards, Tim Colson has found some great form of late, while the return of Suki Bolina from injury has been a real bonus.

Bolina carries the ball strongly and is an excellent defender.

All season Enright has had the luxury of two well performing halfbacks in Steve Phillips and Tyler Blackburn and they have been bracketed to start.

Nathan McCloy has been given the start at first-five with captain James Hawkey switching to fullback.

McCloy is the better ball carrier but Hawkey has proved to be a strong defender and clever tactical kicker, as well as a very reliable goal kicker.

The strength of the team has been reflected in the midfield pairing of Zac Saunders and Marc Rooney. Often facing must bigger opposition, nothing much gets past them.

In fact, TBHS are one of the best defensive sides in the competition.

Saunders has also proved he can make the breaks, while Rooney’s speed has been invaluable.

TBHS also have a decent bench, which has been another strength.

It includes loose forward Makatapu Tangitau, who is only second behind Saunders with tries scored, with six this season, while Siua Maile has also made an excellent impact off the bench.