The 2nd XV traveled to Napier knowing that a win was required to keep them in the hunt for the Super Eight. Following a good win against Gisborne BHS, the boys were in confident mood. Unfortunately a slow start saw them concede two soft tries and they found themselves 12-0 behind early on. A spirited response saw them threaten the Napier line on several occasions before good play created space for Sam Coles to dot down. An error from the kick off undid all their hard work as Napier restored their 12 point cushion and they went into the half leading 19-7.

The message at halftime was around clarity and the boys nailing their roles. The team believed that if they could do this, then the game was still theirs for the taking.

The boys were fired up for the start of the half and immediately applied pressure on Napier but inaccurate play prevented PNBHS from adding to their score and then a yellow card to Simi Togoloa gave the momentum back to Napier. They forced a 5m scrum and a well-worked move extended their lead to 26-7.

The 2nd XV showed their character and began to fight their way back into the game with strong impact from the bench,. Led by charges from Tusi Mafi and Kalis Mason, they began to punch holes into the Napier defence and provide a threat. Direct from a scrum 15m out, Kalis ran over two defenders to score before a good switch play created space for Manu Latu to score in the corner.

PNBHS had their tails up and charged at Napier again and forced a succession of penalties to camp in Napier’s 22. Unfortunately, as was the story of the day, an error at a crucial time cost them their chance and Napier got home 26-19.

A disappointing defeat which leaves the team reliant on other results, but the boys can be proud of their efforts and the character shown.

Point Scorers:

Tries: Sam Coles, Kalis Mason, Manu Latu

Conversions: Sam Coles (2)