Hero photograph
1st XV v Napier BHS - Thursday 27 August
 
Photo by PNBHS

1st XV v Napier Boys’ High School Polson Banner Match Report – Thursday 27 August

PNBHS —

The 1st XV travelled to Napier to defend the Polson Banner in what is the pinnacle of the 1st XV season for both schools. After a strong performance against Gisborne in the weekend, the 1st XV were confident in their ability to put Napier under pressure at home.

The game started well as we scored a converted try in the first five minutes after a period of sustained pressure. We created another chance shortly thereafter but unfortunately weren’t clinical enough in our finishing. That signalled a shift in momentum and Napier started to win both the territory and possession battle. Defensively we were becoming disjointed and they scored three tries during the middle part of the half. We finally had a chance with the ball in hand late and again showed we were good value with possession but unfortunately were unable to cross the line.

The intent in the second half was around preventing them from getting easy looks by minimising our errors and to back ourselves with ball in hand. Best intentions however……thirty seconds into the second half Napier scored another try and then crossed the line with frustrating regularity. We managed to score two quick tries to close the gap to 13 with 10 minutes remaining and a glimmer of hope started to emerge. Unfortunately this was quickly doused with Napier scoring further tries to reach fifty points. Final score was a fairly devastating 50 – 21 loss.

The team knows full well the significance of the Polson Banner and prepared accordingly. The Napier side played with great efficiency and were fully deserved of their win. For us we need to bounce back with St Pat’s Silverstream travelling to play us on Wednesday before a Moascar Cup challenge against Rotorua Boys’ High School next Saturday.

Point Scorers:

Tries: Logan Love, Feleti Sae Ta’ufo’ou and Lafo Takiari-Ah Ching

Conversions: Curtis Heaphy x 2, Logan Love