Swords team announced to Play Waikato

After the rains earlier in the day the Secondary Schools Rugby League match in the top of table clash for the Adam Blair Trophy between Whangarei Boys High and Kamo College was played out in the hot afternoon sun at the Boys High ground.  A fast and furious start by the hosts saw two early tries and dominant field position before Kamo rallied its defensive attitude to counter the strong and often wide ranging attacks from a determined Boys High forward pack. Winning some ball of their own Kamo staged their own challenge in the middle with prop Ariki Hughes leading the charge with powerful running and honest lines to draw the opposition defenders and score some tries of their own.  By the end of the first half the try count was three to two to the hosts and score line of 16 -12.

The first half effort and heat took its toll and as an arm wrestle ensued between these two evenly matched sides. Kamo High’s defence stayed resolute across the field as Boys High failed to cross the line in the second half even after wide passes by the hosts found their flying winger Matthew Harrison.  A penalty goal mid-second half extended the Boy’s high score line to a converted try difference and both sides continued to battle before Kamo scored and captain James Witehira converting to level the score. Intensity escalated as the clock was running down and mistakes saw the ball change hands at critical times and no further points scored with the exciting fast paced match finishing 18 all.

The result pegs both teams on top of the table at 7 competitions points each with Whangarei Boys High ahead on points differential. The draw also allows Dargaville High to close in on the leaders after their 48 – 24 win over newcomers Te Kapehu Whetu yesterday and are now sitting on 6 competition points with Bay of Islands College but in third place due to their points differential. Other results were Bay of Islands College 40 – 8 Tikipunga HS, Northland College 42 – 26 Okaihau College, TKKM/Taipa 36 – 32 Abundant Life. Broadwood Area School defaulted to Kaitaia College and Bream Bay and Whangaroa College had the byes.