GHS hosted the first of three WCSS 1st XV Rugby Series matches against Buller HS at the great John Sturgeon Park on Wednesday.
The day kicked out well for our boys being dressed in number 1s that set the tone for the day. Mr Bermingham and Mr McTaggart have been working hard to create a positive environment for the 1st XV group and it can be shown through the pride the boys had wearing shirts, ties and dress pants. Every player looked like they were standing up taller and proud to be part of the school, we are very proud of how they conducted themselves throughout the day.
The game started with a powerful haka from Buller HS, fantastic way to start the game! Theo Barnett got in earlier for a try that was building from the set piece for GHS, a forwards try with the whole team working hard. Buller HS then spent a bit of time down our end, had a great overlap and went in for a try. GHS had the majority of the possession for the rest of the first half which eventually paid off from a penally at the scrum in our favour close to the line allowed for a quick tap and go and Barnett was in again just before the end of the first half.
HALF TIME: GHS 10 - BHS 5
Early in the second half Kalium Symonds kicked a penalty to stretch the lead to 13 - 5 keeping Buller at bay. The team was working hard close to the line for a sustained period, then they found the crack in Buller's defence and Alex Le Valliant muscled over for a try, Kalium Symonds added the extras pushing the lead out to 20 - 5. Buller got in for a converted try after taking care of their possession. Then in the final stages of the game Buller got in for another try pulling in the scoreline to 20 - 17. GHS had the opportunity with a penalty to push the lead but it just went wide. Our boys where able to hold onto the lead they worked hard for earlier in the game to take the win by 3 points. It was an excellent game of footy from both sides, fantastic to see such a high level of skill shown at the school boy level.
FINAL SCORE: GHS 20 - BHS 17
Thank you to referee Rob Mailtand for officiating and to the AR's of Will England and Harry Shaw. We really appreciate you being there and allowing us to play these inter school matches.
Also thank you to Alyssa Blacktopp who was on hand capturing many great shots of the boys in action!
Game 2 vs John Paul II - Wednesday 16th September, kickoff 12:45pm