GHS Year 9/10/11 Boys vs Haeata Community Campus, Wingham Park, Greymouth

The annual Coast of Origin Rugby League game was played on Thursday 6th August, this is the 9th year of this fantastic fixture which began after the Canterbury earthquakes. This year we saw the Year 9/10/11 boys have the opportunity to represent their schools. Traditionally this is a senior game, however these younger boys did not disappoint!

First Half: Haeata came out of the blocks quick getting in for two converted tries before Aston Wilson (JPII student) took off and got the only points for our boys this half, Mac Gibson (JPII student) added the extras. Haeata got in for another converted try and one more try before the break. GHS were playing some good footy but just did not have enough possession to capitalise on, plus we were just taking our time to get a proper feel for the game. First Half: GHS 6 - 28 HCC

Second Half: Haeata again came out strong dotting down for two converted tried early in the piece. Our boys found their feet and did not let Haeata in for another point, running in three tries of our own, Captain Theo Barnett showed great strength to muscle through defenders, Gibson added the extras. Next Latai Tau showed off his fancy feet, and got some room to stretch the legs which changed the moment of the game in our favour. Finally, Barnett was in again for a double, thoroughly deserved with his strong defense, impressive running and a great leading from the front attitude. A wee bit too little, too late for our GHS side, however the boys put in a big effort and we are extremely proud of their performance. Second Half: GHS 14 - 12 HCC

Final Score: GHS 20 - 40 HCC

This was a fantastic fixture yet again and we always enjoy being able to host Te and the Haeata team at the home on Rugby League on the Coast, Wingham Park. Thank you for all the supporter who came out to watch this game, even though we did not take the W the boys thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to represent Grey High in front of a home crowd.

Thank you to head coach Tony Gurden for his time training the boys and getting them ready for the game, assistants of Connor Green and Alex Le Vaillant being all important helpers during the game. Thanks to referee Brad Tacon, assistants Tamati Taewa and Emily Berry, excellent job officiating. Lastly a huge thank you to West Coast Rugby League and Paddy Byrne for their fantastic support of school boy rugby league. Without all these amazing volunteers and people behind the scenes fixtures like these are not possible.

We look forward to 2021 where we hope to regain the Coast of Origin Rugby League shield!