New comers to the NorthTec Adam Blair Trophy, Whangaroa College, have surprised all and remain unbeaten after two rounds of the NABT after they defeated first round winners, Okaihau College at Okaihau, by 24 – 16. The small college, based in the picturesque Kaeo, only have a roll of 150, which includes years 7 – 13, have really embraced Rugby League in 2014. This week they host Northland College, who have yet to record a win so they should go in as favourites.
The other unbeaten teams are Whangarei Boys High School, who again demonstrated that they are again favourites, by defeating Northland College 54 – 0. Kamo High School scrapped past a much improved Dargaville High School, 16 – 14, to remain undefeated with a win and a draw.
The other dark horse for the NABT is the other newcomer Tikipunga High School. They were resounding winners over Bay of Islands College (BOIC) 44 – 18. BOIC showed a lot of potential class, but were perhaps a little under prepared given their win by default the previous week. (See pictures below of Tikipunga v BOI, more available here in our Gallery)
Te Rangi Aniwaniwa won local bragging rights in Kaitaia with a solid 24 – 14 win over Kaitaia College. Even though it is still early days, defending champions Kaitaia have a lot to work on for them not to hand over the NABT Tahonga in 2014!
Round three proposes for all five games to be exciting, all for different reasons. WBHS take on Kamo in a local derby. WBHS will be looking for revenge from their 2013 defeat. In the Far North it will be a question of which game to watch, with three exciting challenges. Kaitaia College need a win over Okaihau, Te Rangi Aniwaniwa host the in form Tikipunga and Whangaroa College host Northland. While BOIC host Dargaville – with both teams looking for their first win on the paddock.
This Sunday will also see the best of the NABT trialling for a position to play in the NABT XIII v the Warriors at Hikurangi Rugby on Saturday 29th March. The trial will take place at Bay of Islands College on Sunday 16th March kicking off at 11.00am.
