HBHS 1st XV taken out of Chiefs contention by Rotorua Boys' High School

It was a very different Rotorua Boys' High School team that fronted up on Saturday, after having been defeated in the Super 8 final only two weeks ago.  Rotorua led at half time 17 - 10 and were looking much faster and more intense.  A converted try in the second half by halfback Josef Meek leveled the scores and Rameka Poihipi put HBHS out in front 20 - 17.  Rotorua leveled with a long-range penalty and Rameka Poihipi demonstrated he could do the same to have the score at 23 - 20.  Unfortunately that was the last time HBHS would score any points as Rotorua stretched the lead out to 30 - 23 thanks to two quick tries.  Despite some desperate attacking play that saw HBHS on the verge of crossing the tryline to level the scores at full time, Rotorua held them out and took the win 30 -23.