St Kentigern College, 36 (Sam Nock 2, Suliasi Vunivalu, Broc Hooper, Jonathan Faauli tries, Broc Hooper 4 con, 1 pen) Kelston Boys High School, 12 (Tony Tummusa, Felix Alefaio tries, Matt Vagea 1 conversion. HT: 15-0, St Kent’s
The Report
A dominant set-piece and vibrant back play saw St Kentigern College overwhelm newly crowned Sanix World Youth Champions, Kelston Boys High School, 36-12. In a replay of last year’s Auckland final, Kelston made a horror start at the kick-off, when captain Matt Vagea kicked the ball dead. From a scrum on halfway, impressive St Kent’s halfback Sam Nock flashed away to score a 50 meter try. Nock, a year 11 student, excelled behind a rampant pack. His passing was crisp and running game a menace for the Kelston defence.
Kelston enjoyed the advantage of the wind in the first half but St Kent’s aggression at the breakdown deprived Kelston of any quality possession. St Kent’s won the turnover count 19-13 and inevitably extended their lead when fullback Broc Hooper kicked a penalty and then slid in for a fine try after more good work from Nock, making it 15-0 at halftime.
Kelston started the second half in urgent fashion and enjoyed a long spell of possession. Second-five Nathaniel Apa run with plenty of thrust, however Kelston’s inability to turn pressure into points was soon exposed when St Kent’s stormed back into the Kelston half and winger Suliasi Vunivalu sneaked through a pile of bodies to score what proved to be a decisive try. Vunivalu, a year 11 Fijian student, is a player to watch, with size, speed and flair among his many attributes. Other standouts for St Kent’s were head boy and Number 8 Sootala Fa’aa’so and fullback Broc Hooper who ran with purpose and judged the wind to perfection when kicking at goal and in general play.
One To Watch Suliasi Vunivalu
- Position: Winger
- Year: 11
- Weight: 97kg
- Height: 180cm
- Sports Hero: Sonny Bill Williams
- Trivia: Scored 4 tries in Melboure v Rebles Under 18
Asics Man Of the Match: Broc Hooper
- Position: Fullback
- Years In First XV: 3
- Weight: 76kg
- Height: 176cm
- Sports Hero: Corey Jane
- Rep Teams: Counties Under 16, 18