Hamilton Boys’ High School 39 (Kereti Tonga, Wade McLean-Te Huia, Ben Finau, Harrison Levien, Regan Ware tries, Bryn Gatland, 4 conversions 2 penalties) St Peter’s Cambridge 0. HT: 20-0 Hamilton Boys
The Report
Hamilton Boys’ High School preserved their unbeaten record against St Peter’s School in Cambridge with a convincing 39-0 win. A nervous and error-ridden start saw plenty of whistle and frequent ball spillages dominate the early stages. Once Hamilton settled down however, it was obvious that they were the better team. St Peter’s did defend manfully in the early stages and managed to hold Hamilton until the 20th minute, but after Kereti Tonga ploughed over from a lineout drive, the floodgates opened.
Sprightly halfback Ben Finau and assured First-Five Bryn Gatland combined well for Hamilton, creating plenty of chances for a well organised backline. But it was the industry of their forwards that allowed bulky prop Wade McLean-Te Huia to tumble over before halftime, to make it 20-0.
Hamilton started the second spell in polished fashion, scoring three tries in the first fifteen minutes to settle the contest. First, Ben Finau fell over the line after a series of strong forward drives. Then replacement halfback Harrison Levein darted over after a similar build up and finally centre Regan Ware sliced through the St Peter’s defense in a 30 meter burst that confirmed his class.
For Hamilton, who won for the seventh time in eight games on the rugby channel, lock Kaleb Foote was a standout performer and his work in the tight and mobility around the park was impressive. St Peter’s best was first year second-five Denzil Manu. Manu make a series of incisive charges on the precious few occasions St Peter’s enjoyed the ball
Actknowldgments: Duncan Baird at St Peter’s for the photos, Dave Henderson.