Tuesday 6 August 2024
First XV 52 vs 15 Dilworth School
The First XV overcame the unavailability of several key players to rack up eight tries as they accounted for Dilworth School 52-15 in their 1A clash at Dilworth on Saturday.
Senior players Flynn Hamilton-Muller (Year 13, Averill), Sione Manuopangai (Year 12, Peart), Harrison Martin (Year 13, Selwyn), and Kahu Cotterill (Year 13, School) were all injured, meaning the squad's depth was put to the test. The vast majority of the starting side were Year 11 and 12 students and those who were given an opportunity stepped up and played their part as the team kept their season alive with the bonus-point win.
The start of the game didn’t go to plan for King’s who found themselves with only 13 on the field in the early stages after two players were sent to the sin bin for ill-discipline. Despite being down on troops, King’s opened the scoring with a try to hooker Charlie Burn (Year 12, School) after a break from prop Tom Boucher (Year 12, Greenbank), who had big shoes to fill deputising for Hamilton-Muller in the front row.
It didn’t take long for the points to start flowing as fullback Calvin Harris-Tavita (Year 11, Parnell) marked his return from injury with a five-pointer.
Halfback Marco Miln (Year 12, Selwyn), who was a standout performer, ensured King’s took a solid 21-nil lead to halftime as he scored following some slick work from Burn and right wing Ryan Young (Year 12, Parnell).
It then took only a matter of seconds for King’s to open the scoring in the second spell as flanker Hemana Connew (Year 12, St John's) added a try straight from the restart.
With the four-try bonus point secure, the points didn’t stop and Joseph Fatuvalu (Year 12, Averill), Burn, Robbie Noble (Year 13, Greenbank), and Hawaiki Morrison (Year 13, Parnell) all crossed before the final whistle eventually went. Miln kicked six conversions from eight attempts in a handy display off the tee.
Coach Ian Robinson said he was proud of how the squad came together despite missing a collection of key players. “They really stepped up in a tough week. We had a lot of adversity with injuries this week and to be honest we were pushing the squad pretty thin,” he said. The match marked milestone 30th games for forwards Jacob Carter (Year 12, School) and Johan Schaumkell (Year 12, School).
While it was the result the team needed, they remained in sixth place on the 1A ladder and will require other results to fall their way in the final week of the round-robin to finish fourth or higher to earn a spot in the play-offs.
Tries: Charlie Burn (2), Calvin Harris-Tavita, Marco Miln, Hemana Connew, Joseph Fatuvalu, Robbie Noble, Hawaiki Morrison
Conversions: Marco Miln (6)
Second XV 23 vs 23 Saint Kentigern (Wednesday 31 July)
The Second XV mid-week match against St Kentigern was an entertaining nail-biter of a game as Saint Kent’s, in the dying minutes of the game, tried desperately to find the points to take the win. The boys’ discipline in defence was a feature of the match, and they confidently held them out, forcing an error to end the game in a draw – 23-all.
After a steady period of sustained attack in the opposition half, King’s blindside flanker Keanu Ezekiela (Year 13, Parnell) opened the match scoring with a successful penalty kick. Saint Kent's responded not long after with a penalty of their own to even the score 3 a piece. The game was very much to-and-fro, tit-for-tat as each team worked hard to score a try. Just before halftime, our backs play launched from broken play just inside our half, ending with flying left winger Koby Schaumkell (Year 11, Selwyn) diving for the tryline. A kafuffle ensued, resulting in the referee awarding a penalty try to King’s much to the dismay of the very vocal St Kent's supporters’ crowd.
Determined, Saint Kent's opened the second half with a converted try. Full-back Juleo Tauu (Year 13, St John’s) who was in fine form, cleverly engineered great territorial advantage for King’s with aggressive runs and accurate kicking. This allowed him to successfully slot two penalty kicks at critical moments of the second half. Winger Johnny Wilson (Year 12, Parnell) showed his class with a try which was converted by Tauu. Saint Kent's responded by scoring a converted try of their own, then began to launch all that they had into wave after wave of attack which was stoutly defended by the boys, but who eventually succumbed to the onslaught giving up an unconverted try. Buoyed by the swing in momentum, Saint Kent's continued to throw themselves into the match, but a well-disciplined and uncompromising defence was maintained by the boys to hold them out for the draw, 23-all.
Tries: Johnny Wilson, Penalty Try
Conversions/penalties: Juleo Tau (3/3), Keanu Ezekiela (1/1).
Second XV 18 vs 26 St Peter's College (Friday 2 August)
The end of a challenging week for the Second XV ended with a narrow loss against a strong St Peter’s College side. Under the lights at College Rifles, St Peter’s started brightly making early inroads using their big ball carriers to good effect. Despite early pressure and territory favouring St Peter’s, King’s scored the first points of the game after being awarded a penalty following some enterprising play between the backs and forwards. Both teams were able to score tries before the break and the game was in the balance with St Peter's holding a 10-8 lead at the half way point.
The second half saw St Peter’s really use their physicality in the tight exchanges to great effect coupled with some smart tactical kicking from their influential fly half, which meant King’s were on the back foot for large periods of the third quarter as they raced into a 12 point lead. However, an inspired brace from fly half Felix Spary (Year 11, Selwyn) showing he wasn’t to be outdone by his opposite number, led to a nail-biting finish. As King’s pushed for the winning score some unforced errors allowed St Peter’s to seal the game with the decisive try being scored in the final play of the game.
Although King’s were unable to claim the Kempson/Waalkens Trophy this year, all players must be commended for showing a tremendous amount of aptitude and heart in what was a demanding first week back, playing three games in two days. The boys played some outstanding rugby in both attack and defence and head into the final two games of the season with a determined mindset, ready for a strong finish to the season.
1R Maroon 17 vs 16 Westlake Boys High School
For our first game back in Term 3, we were pleased to have a number of players return to the fold after missing our last game of Term 2 with illness, long-term injury or absence. Getting the opportunity to play on the King’s no. 1 field is always appreciated, especially for our Year 13 boys, as they know that if we do not earn ourselves a home semi-final (which is still a possibility with two rounds to play), that this would have been their final rugby match representing our school on the cherished field.
We had trained well during the week, despite the atrocious weather on Tuesday and turned up to fabulous conditions yesterday with the goal of securing a bonus-point win against Westlake Boys who are down towards the bottom of the table. Alas, we just did not manage to click and made a large number of errors that allowed WBHS to creep out to a 10-nil lead. We managed to bring the score back with a converted try to first five eight – Jackson Brown (Year 13, Peart) but then gave away another kickable penalty for poor discipline inside our own 22m, which Westlake converted. Right on halftime, we were awarded a penalty in front of their posts, which Brown kicked and we turned around – behind 10–13 on the scoreboard.
All the reserves were brought on at halftime and we started to create opportunities but were just not able to finish off these chances. The game ebbed and flowed and again we gave away another penalty inside our 22m that Westlake Boys converted to take a six-point lead that they held onto right up until the last minute of the game. We had created numerous opportunities and in a mad scramble on their goalline, the ball spilled loose and halfback Dom Lunevich (Year 13, Averill) dived on the ball to score. Brown coolly slotted the conversion (in-off the post) and from the kickoff, the ball was kicked into touch and we had managed to ‘steal’ a 1-point win 17–16, to keep us in the top four.
Next week we play Mount Albert Grammar School at home and will need to improve to ensure further success.
1R Gold King’s College 21 vs 31 Selwyn College
6A King’s College 31 vs 12 Mount Albert Grammar
This was a vital game to win after returning back from three weeks of the July holidays, to build momentum through to the end of the season as King’s push for a top 2 spot on the table.
In the warm-up King’s unfortunately lost a crucial player, Hugh Smithies (Year 10, Parnell), who had injured himself. This resulted in a quick reshuffle in the backline just before kick-off.
The game got underway with both teams trying to find their rhythm and search for gaps and opportunities on the field. It was a scrappy start to the game with multiple handling errors and turnovers from both sides. King’s were able to successfully execute an attacking play through the middle to gain important territory putting MAGS under pressure. From this Caleb Francis (Year 10, School) forced his way over the line to put the first points on the board and successfully converted by Liam Parker (Year 10, Parnell).
Immediately after the restart MAGS hit back with strong running play and created space to score in the corner for a well-taken try closing the score to 7-5. After some good defensive pressure driving MAGS back into their 22 King’s immediately hit back when Henry Main (Year 10, School) scored an awesome intercept try under the posts! This was converted by Parker.
Halftime score: King’s 14-5 MAGS
Early in the second half King’s started to physically dominate MAGS in the forwards, and were making big gains through the middle. Main barged his way over for his second try in the 33rd minute.
MAGS didn’t lie down, and through some powerful drives, opened space to grab their second try. This was well converted from out wide. The score closed again to 19 - 12.
Stand-out player and team captain Harry Rutherford (Year 11, School) led from the front and took the game to MAGS running through and around players to bust over the line for back-to-back tries.
Final score: King’s 31-12 MAGS.
An overall successful performance for the King’s side but there is still plenty to work on as we build towards the end of the season. Special thanks to Mr Putt who stepped in on late notice to referee the match.
Forward player of the day: Oscar Erikson (Year 9, School)
Back of the day: Toby Willis (Year 10, Selwyn)
Written by Ollie Perry (Year 10, Marsden)
5A King’s College 43 vs 12 Mount Albert Grammar
With most of the players being in the middle of exam week and a month's break between games, there was a concern about how the boys would step up this week. After two focused training sessions, confidence was high for the game on King’s no. 1 field versus Mount Albert Grammar (MAGS). The boys did not disappoint.
The game started with King’s spending most of the time in the opposition half. The strong controlled ruck phases from the forwards enabled the backs to spread the ball wide and stretch the MAGS defence. After seven minutes, James Shaw (Year 11, School) came in from fullback and broke the defensive line, finding Barney Foote (Year 11, Averill) clear on the wing and he scored on the right. The successful conversion from Matt Cunningham (Year 11, Greenbank) brought the score to 7-nil.
Unfortunately, one of the gaps in the team's performances this year has been that when we score, soon after we relax and let the opposition back into the game and this happened two minutes later with MAGS scoring a try off a King’s error bringing the score to 7-all.
King’s responded with continued forward dominance with the lineouts and King’s winning a number of MAGS scrums against the feed. The clean ball enabled the backs to get the ball wide giving the wingers space. One of the forays into the MAGS 22 saw Cooper Fenwick (Year 12, Peart) race to the corner but just as he was going in to score an illegal tackle from MAGS stopped the play. This resulted in a yellow card and a penalty for King’s. Unfortunately, Cooper came off injured as he broke his wrist in the tackle. At the 18-minute mark from the resulting penalty, from a quick tap then Foote crossed the line for his second try, with the conversion bringing the score to 14-7.
MAGS fought back and at the 26-minute mark, from one of King's rare errors, scored their second try to bring the score closer to 14-12 to King’s. From this point onwards, King’s did not let MAGS into the game at all.
Finishing off the action-packed first half, the King’s backline opened up the space again on the left wing with Charlie Robertson (Year 11, School) going in the corner. Another touchline conversion from Cunningham had the score going into the halftime break 21-12 to King’s.
With new subs on, the second half saw King’s lift another notch with Zavier Linstrom (Year 11, Greenbank) leading the way with a number of monster tackles and turnovers putting MAGS on the back foot. With MAGS going backwards, five minutes into the second half, after multiple clean phases Cunningham broke the line and made his way around to score under the posts. 28-12 to King’s.
With the scrums continuing to dominate the offensive defence, MAGS started to give away multiple penalties. Foote stepped up and added three points bringing the score to 31-12. In the last 15 minutes, King’s closed the game out with two further tries to Jamie Ogilvie (Year 11, Averill) and Harry Edgar (Year 11, School) bringing the final score to 43-12.
Great first game back after a month off, and with two more games in the round-robin to play, the boys are positioning themselves well for the upcoming finals. The only downside from the match was the injury to Cooper and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Tries: Barney Foote (2), Charlie Robertson, Matt Cunningham, Harry Edgar, Jamie Ogilvie
Conversions/penalties: Matt Cunningham (4), Barney Foote (2).
U15A King’s College 8 vs 17 Kelston Boys High School
On the back of a fine performance against Dilworth, the U15As travelled to West Auckland to take on the second-placed, heavy hitters from Kelston Boy’s High School, for a second game in 4 days.
The key aim of the game was to be accurate and assertive at the breakdown, to secure our own ball and compete for Kelston’s. The King’s boys did just that for large periods of the encounter. Whilst the game was not a high-scoring affair, it was end-to-end and high tempo!
The opening score by Kelston showed why they are in contention for competition honours, but the King’s boys were by no means outclassed and demonstrated skill and precision to match the hosts in all areas. The try-line defence was again impressive and Kelston was repelled on numerous occasions. A well-struck penalty goal by Ricoh Wilson (Year 10, Greenbank) kept things both tight and honest and at halftime, the 5-3 scoreline meant that the game was very much in the balance.
The second half was no less enthralling with the ball travelling from end to end and 'coast to coast'. Kelston grabbed another well-worked try to take the scoreline out to 10-3, but the game was far from over. King’s struck back with a fantastic team try. The forwards set the platform with strong set piece work and some very precise phase play and the backs moved the ball swiftly to Winger Robbie Dunn (Year 10, Marsden) who raced over for the try of the game; 10-8 and the game was on!
Kelston responded with a period of intense activity, running hard and moving the ball with accuracy. The King’s defence held out until the last few minutes when Kelston did just enough to create the match-winning opportunity. King’s had one last chance to snatch the victory, but a marginal call relating to the play of the ball at a penalty put pay to the hopes of a late win. It was another close and hard-fought game against one of the league leaders, showing that the King’s U15As are way better than their 8th place in the competition, might suggest.
With three games remaining, a 6th place finish in the competition is now our target.
U15R King’s College 22 vs 17 Sacred Heart College
King's U15R faced off against Sacred Heart Blue in a highly anticipated match. The opening ten minutes were a testament to the evenly matched skills of both teams, with neither side able to gain a significant advantage. It was a gripping start, with both teams demonstrating solid defence and probing attacks.
In the 15th minute, King's College broke the deadlock with a brilliant try by Tom Victor (Year 9, Parnell). Seizing an opportunity, Victor cut through Sacred Heart's defence with a dazzling sidestep and sprinted over the try line, bringing the crowd to life and setting a standard for the team to follow. Eight minutes later, Taylor Kijowski (Year 9, School) followed suit with another spectacular try. Kijowski's powerful run and determination showcased his speed and agility. Unfortunately, neither of these tries was converted, leaving the score at 10-nil.
As the first half drew to a close, tensions escalated near the opposition try line. King's relentless pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty try. Remy O'Neill (Year 9, Averill) expertly executed the landing, extending King's lead just before the halftime whistle. The score stood at 17-nil as the teams headed into the break.
Aware of Sacred Heart's potential for a second-half resurgence, King's made strategic substitutions to ensure fresh legs on the field. This move proved wise as Sacred Heart came out with renewed vigour, scoring their first try in the 34th minute. Their fluid passing and strong running brought them back into the game.
King's responded with determination. In the 40th minute, Ed Small (Year 10, Averill) capitalised on a loose ball mid-field, breaking through the defence for a runaway try. His blistering pace and keen eye for the gap left Sacred Heart trailing. The score now stood at 22-5.
However, Sacred Heart were far from defeated. They applied relentless pressure, scoring two tries in quick succession in the 43rd and 50th minutes. Their fierce comeback brought the score to a tense 22-17.
Throughout the game, there were many notable contributions but Arthur White (Year 9, Greenbank) was instrumental, making crucial tackles and gaining ground. Noah Plowman’s (Year 9, Selwyn) tackling was formidable, thwarting several of Sacred Heart’s advances. Santi Barton’s (Year 9, School) communication and direction were vital, with his clearance kicks providing much-needed relief under pressure.
The standout player was Sammie Richardson (Year 9, St John’s) whose exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match title. Sammie's catches in the line-out were flawless, his runs dynamic, and tackles hard-hitting.
With the final whistle, we emerged victorious, holding off Sacred Heart's relentless attack to win 22-17. With only two games left in the season, the team is now focused on their upcoming matches against Auckland Grammar, determined to finish the season on a high note.
U14A King’s College 0 vs 17 Auckland Grammar
The biggest game of the season so far against traditional rivals Auckland Grammar School. King’s were a model of defence and hugely courageous in this game, on the No. 1 field at Grammar. Large periods of the game were an arm wrestle but one early penalty front he home side and a try in each half were all that separated the sides in the end. Captain Naki Kea-Cameron (Year 9, Selwyn) saved countless tries with last gasp tackles and the forward pack all stood up to their opponents well. From 8-nil down at halftime, the final score was 0-17.