Friday 23 August 2024
First XV
No game.
Second XV 12 vs 19 Mt Albert Grammar School 2A
Despite the odd decent period of possession, King’s College Second XV got off to a slow start on Field 1 at Mt Albert Grammar School (MAGS) this Saturday letting in two early tries in an error-riddled first quarter. MAGS were quick to capitalise on errors and dropped ball, with sustained attack resulting in points in both corners. With one of their two tries converted, we trailed for a good portion of the half at 12-nil.
Regaining some composure later, a midfield ruck in MAGS 22 setup off a clean lineout win by lock Sam Gapes (Year 12, Selwyn), with backs and forwards alike lined up right field, a skip pass from Zion Savaka (Year 12, Peart), to openside flanker Taniela Ngata (Year 13, Parnell) set up prop Logan Marsh (Year 12, School) for a try in the right corner. The angle proved a little steep for fullback Juleo Tauu (Year 13, St John’s) to convert, bringing the halftime score to 12-5.
With a much-improved error rate, King’s were able to compete in general play, MAGS however, maintained early territorial advantage to eventually score a converted try close to the goal posts opening the scoring for the second half. MAGS fumbled the restart deep in their 22 and dynamic no 8 Henana Connew (Year 12, St John’s) carried hard from the base of subsequent scrum to score a solo, well-deserved try. Kicking from his preferred side, Tauu converted brilliantly from left field.
MAGS continued to raggedly keep ball-in-hand to set up multiple phases of attack, but credit to the boys, a solid effort in defence held them out to the final whistle. Final score, MAGS 19 – King’s 12.
Tries: Logan Marsh (1), Henana Connew (1)
Conversions: Juleo Tauu (1)
1R Maroon 3 vs 23 Auckland Grammar School 1R
On Saturday, the 1R maroon team travelled across to Mt Eden to play the undefeated and top-of-the-table Auckland Grammar team on their artificial turf. It would be fair to say that if you are not accustomed to playing on an artificial surface, rather than grass, that it takes a while to adjust and adapt. This is not an excuse – just an observation, given the feedback from my boys after the game.
Having already qualified for the semi-finals next weekend, our goal for the match was to play well and throw everything at Grammar, knowing that the team that won this game would have a psychological edge leading into next week’s semi-final; because we would be playing Grammar at Grammar again, no matter what the result of the match was.
We started well and did some good things, the game was a real arm wrestle between two evenly matched sides. I was proud of our defence, particularly the forwards, who repelled the Grammar pack more than once, when they were camped on our tryline. A penalty was awarded to Grammar inside our half, which was converted, and the score remained the same right up just before halftime, when ill-discipline gave them a second penalty shot and we turned around 0 – 6 down on the scoreboard.
The second half started the same as the first with both teams unsuccessful at crossing the try line. Penalty goals were traded and with 10 minutes to go, we were down 3 – 9. Then things started to unravel, we panicked at times and tried to push the ball to secure a converted try that would give us the lead. Disappointingly for us, Grammar scored two intercept runaway tries to end the match 23 – 3 victors.
The final score was by no means a true indication of the evenness of the match and despite the blown-out result on the scoreboard, we will take many positives from the match and know that, with careful planning and a strong work ethic this week, we can reverse the result next weekend when we return for the semi-final showdown. This will surely be played on the AGS No 1 field at midday, as their First XV were eliminated in their home semi-final against Kelston Boys High School yesterday.
1R Gold
Game won by default.
U15 Open 12 vs 10 Wesley College
A grey, damp and chilly Saturday morning at King's College was the scene for the final home ‘hit out’ of the season for the Under-15A team, against Wesley College. The weeks training had been somewhat disjointed and this seemed to carry into the warm up and the match itself.
The opening exchanges were punctuated with numerous penalties for both teams for off-sides, ruck and tackle infringements. The conditions were damp and the ball greasy; and numerous handling errors ensued. It was going to be one of those games. That being said, the conditions were the same for both teams, so it was going to boil down to who adapted fastest and best to the environment.
The majority of the first half was played between the two 22 metre lines and visits to the scoring zones were few. The conversion of territorial pressure into points was going to be key. The only score of the first half came from a mid-field attack, launched from an error-strewn passage of play. Ollie Anderson (Year 10, Greenbank) pounced on a bobbling ball, looked up to see the Wesley defence had come up fast and bitten in, allowing him space on the outside. As usual, he needed no second invitation to stretch his legs and glided around the rushing defence and kicked ahead. He chased well, applied pressure and the King's cavalry arrived to turn the ball over and Finn Thompson (Year 10, Marsden) was on hand to breach the try line. Cale Ngatai (Year 10, Parnell) converted and the Honey-Badgers were 7-0 to the good. King's created a few more opportunities before half time, but unfortunately couldn't quite finish them off.
Half Time: King's led 7 - 0.
Wesley kicked off to start the second half and whilst there was much endeavour from both sides, the play was focused in the central third of the pitch. Handling errors increased and play was staccato in nature, never finding a true rhythm. It was definitely ‘one of those days’. 10 minutes into the second period and Wesley surged into the King's twenty-two and some direct running led to a well-earned score. The try was not converted, so the score was 7-5. King's held on to a meagre lead.
The action returned to the central ground, but King's were, inch by inch, gaining advantage and their second try came from a period of applied pressure which forced Wesley to kick directly to the potent attacking weapon that is Ollie Anderson, who took off towards the try line, cutting through the Wesley defence and linking with Jack Burns (Year 10, Peart) who finished in the corner. No conversion - 12 - 5.
Wesley then awoke and seemed invigorated. King's helped them gain more territory through some disappointing dissent and back-chat to the referee who marched them back giving the visitors the opportunity to launch a final assault. Wesley battered the King's line for what seemed an eternity and finally scored in the 29th minute of the second half. The try was right under the sticks, and it was only the errant boot of the Wesley kicker that saved the day.
King's had scraped home by 12 points to 10. The relief was immense.
Match Day Awards:
The ‘Smashed 'em Bro Hammer’ - Josiah Fifita (Year 10, Averill)
The ‘Honey Badger Trophy’ - Josiah Fifita
Supporters Performer of the Day - Coach Tim Henwood
Under 15R 0 vs 63 Auckland Grammar
On Saturday, the King's College U15R team, captained by the ever-determined Remy O'Neill (Averill), faced off against a formidable opponent in Auckland Grammar's U15R A team. While the final scoreline read 63-0 in favor of Grammar, it does not fully capture the resilience and heart shown by the King's boys throughout the match.
From the first whistle, it was clear that Auckland Grammar's A team brought their A-game and wasted no time in scoring a number of tries before King’s found their stride and put up a formidable challenge for the opposition, hitting them with some great runs and big tackles. Unfortunately, however hard King’s tried they were unable to break through their defence and score. At half time the score was 32-0.
During the half time break some substitutions were made and whilst many were facing a new level of mental and physical challenge they did not relent and rejoined the game stronger than they started.
In the second half, the King's side continued to battle, displaying the kind of tenacity that defines their character. Although they were unable to cross the try line, their resilience and teamwork never wavered. King's players repeatedly forced Grammar into errors, and there were moments where the crowd could sense a shift in momentum. It was during these times that the spirit of the King's boys shone brightest.
Throughout the game their were some great performances from individual players, Taylor Kijowski (Year 9, School) as always with his strength and power providing structure for the team, James Cunningham (Year 9, Greenbank) gave his best performance of the season with some great runs, Hugh Henshaw (Year 9, Peart) finished his season on a high with several great plays and big tackles, Sammie Richardson (Year 9, St John’s) displayed his never ending fighter spirit and finally Zack Anderson (Year 9, Greenbank) playing some awesome clearance kicks from the back when needed. But please remember this was a team and every member made a positive contribution to the game.
While the final score of 63-0 might suggest a one-sided affair, those who watched the game would agree that the King's U15R team earned respect with their never-say-die attitude. Each player left the field with their heads held high, knowing that they had given everything for their team.
This match will undoubtedly serve as a learning experience for the King's boys, who have shown that they possess the heart and determination to face any challenge head-on. With Remy O'Neill's (Year 9, Averill) leadership and the team's undeniable spirit, King's College U15R have had a strong season and hopefully forms a great foundation for their future rugby career at King’s College and beyond.
U14 Open vs Wesley College
Match report coming soon.
5A vs Sacred Heart
Match report coming soon.
6A
Game transferred to Tuesday 20 August – match report coming soon