HBHS 1st XV beat Wesley

Hamilton Boys’ High School 1^st XV took a significant step towards retaining their Chiefs Secondary Schools championship by beating Wesley College 13-7 at Wesley on Saturday. Nathan George opened the scoring with a penalty early in the first half before the much larger Wesley team replied with a long range try and conversion. Just before halftime, the Hamilton backs went wide to winger Stephen Cullingworth who stepped inside several players before passing onto centre Chauncy Edwardson to score between the posts. George converted for Hamilton to lead 10-7 at the break.

The 2^nd half was secondary school rugby at its best, with both teams attacking with flair and desperate defence to keep the opposition from scoring. Fullback Henare Hira-Herangi made several try-saving tackles, when Wesley appeared to have broken through to score. The Hamilton forward pack led by powerhouse hooker Sefo Setefano, playing his 50^th game for the 1st XV, dominated their bigger rivals and put intense pressure on the Wesley line. Nathan George kicked a further penalty and a dominance of territory in the final 15 minutes helped Boys’ High maintain their lead through to the final whistle.

The wins adds to Hamilton’s recent dominance over Wesley and remain unbeaten in games against the Counties champions since 2006. Boys’ High now plays Rotorua BHS (BOP champions) at Hamilton Boys’ at 11.15am this Wednesday. A win in this game will secure Hamilton a place in the national Top 4 championship for the 3^rd consecutive year.