Exciting first hit out for our talented U15 side!
It was a very damp and misty day for the U15s first game of the year at John Sturgeon Park, however the boys were excited to get on the field in the GHS colours and Coach McGirr had been putting in a lot of work with this young exciting group of boys and it was clear to see once they took the field.
In the first half GHS were first on the board through Sam Shaw sliding over the line within the first 10 minutes and first five Griffin Thomas made easy work of the conversion. This quick scoring start was the only try of the half for GHS. JPII got in for one try as well close to half time but Thomas capitalised on the penalty awarded slotting through the 3 points taking the lead out to 5 points going into the break. Fa Masala had a huge game with some very strong runs being an absolute handful for the opposition and giving great offloads to put his team into good positions - he continued this excellent form through to the second half as well.
HALF TIME: GHS 10 - JPII 5
The second half is when the scoreboard starting to light up - Declyn King got in for his first try, Thomas handy from the boot again adding the extras. Only a few minutes later JPII got in for their second try taking the scoreline to 17 - 10. King was in again before we knew it showing his powerful running and becoming a handful for the tiring JPII side, Thomas once again made sure of the conversion. Thomas not to be outdone by his team when over for his own try, and you guess it slotted through the kick. JPII were not done however, they worked hard for their third try of the game taking the scoreboard to GHS 31 - JPII 15. In the final minutes of the game King once again proved his worth going in for a hat trick! And Thomas converted making it a very good day from the boot for him! Excellent monster win for the U15 side, fantastic to see so many youngsters coming through the ranks at GHS and a few of which took the field in the 1st XV game that followed.
FULL TIME: GHS 38 - JPII 15
We are very lucky to have had Alyssa Blacktopp on hand capturing the boys in action, heaps of excellent photos below.
Thank you to the match officials of referee Rob Maitland and AR's Will England and Will van der Geest, fantastic having these people volunteer their time for our teams to play.
Unfortunately this is the only game of the Term for the U15 as Buller HS and Westland HS do not have an U15s side for 2020. In Term 4 the U15 team has a game against Nelson College Boarders on the 16th October to look forward to and hopefully another few games against John Paul II.