Palmerstonian 2019

and skill development the players were gaining through hard with two heavy losses to the perennially strong Hastings and
work on the training pitch coupled with the welcome return Hamilton. While we have come close at times, this continues
of injured players. a theme over the last four years and as a team, we need to
find a way of getting through the mental block that these
SUPER EIGHT FIXTURES two teams have for our school so that we can progress. The
Gisborne Boys’ High School (W 32-25) bounce back from these two games was a run that created
Tries: Nasser Tato, Curtis Heaphy, Bryn Gordon; Conversion: plenty of positive energy for the team and the supporters
Ruben Love; Penalties: Ruben Love x 5 alike as we then went on to win our remaining four games
against highly ranked teams, including winning the Polson
Hastings Boys’ High School (L 7-40) Banner back from Napier in the final game of the Super Eight
Try: Josh Ellingham; Conversion: Ruben Love season. As often happens, the losses were an all or nothing
moment for the players who were faced with a decision
Hamilton Boys’ High School (L 6-45) around how the rest of the season was going to unfold. To
Penalties: Curtis Heaphy x 2 their absolute credit, their work and level of preparation of
the field went up to another level again. To see the leaders
New Plymouth Boys’ High School (W 17-14) – Barnes Cup during this period really stand up and drive the team to get
Tries: Tamati Ruawai, Jayden Keelan; Conversions: Curtis the most out of their individual and collective ability was a
Heaphy x 2; Penalty: Curtis Heaphy tremendous thing to be a part of.

Tauranga Boys’ College (W 43-29) – Mitchell Cup
Tries: Tavita Henare-Schuster x 2, Nasser Tato, Curtis Heaphy,
Ethan Johanson; Conversions: Curtis Heaphy x 3; Penalties:
Curtis Heaphy x 4

Rotorua Boys’ High School (W 29-24) – Koi Te Hinengaro
Trophy
Tries: Ben Ruawai, Bryn Gordon; Conversions: Ruben Love
x 2; Penalties: Ruben Love x 5

Napier Boys’ High School (W 27-15) – Polson Banner
Tries: Ruben Love, Nasser Tato, Josh Ellingham, Darius
Mafile’o; Conversions: Ruben Love x 2; Penalty: Ruben Love

The Super Eight campaign finished with a five win two loss
record, the best we have had for some time. After beating
Gisborne in Gisborne, as a tough a fortress to win in as
anywhere in the country, the team was bought back to earth

Barnes Cup Mitchell Cup Koi Te Hinengaro
Trophy

The 1st XV depart for Gisborne Boys’ High School

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 239

TRADITIONAL WHITE Hurricanes Final vs Hastings Boys’ High School (L 15-45)
JERSEY FIXTURES Penalties: Ruben Love x 5
St Patrick’s College,
Silverstream (W 21-15) Our exploits through the season earned us the right to play
– Wallace Cup knock out rugby and the team embraced the opportunity. A
Tries: Bryn Gordon x 2; repeat game against Napier who were out for revenge was
Conversion: Curtis Heaphy; a massive contest in testing conditions. The away semi-final
Penalties: Curtis Heaphy x 3 against the previously unbeaten and confident Scots College
of Wellington saw the tables reversed with Scots giving up a
King’s College (L 19-31) 17 point lead to be run down by the more battle hardened
Tries: Soane Fakahau, Palmy Boys’ team. This meant a final and a chance to head
Tavita Henare-Schuster x 2; to the Top 4. Standing in our way was Hastings Boys’, a
Conversions: Curtis Heaphy team who had enjoyed a fair amount of success through
x2 the year. A close score line at half-time gave us belief, but
the champion side that is Hastings made us pay for small
The two fixtures that fall errors and they ran out clear victors in the end.

outside the Super Eight As we reflect on the season, coming out of the pre-season
we had made some big steps forward but were still prone
campaign are as eagerly to going away from not knowing our roles and thus finding
ourselves veering away from our simple game plans. As
awaited as any of the other our skills improved and we became more confident in our
abilities and had belief that we belonged at this level, our
white jersey games. Against resilience and competitiveness was a source of pride. Our
pre-season results were up and down, but our traditional
“ S t r e a m”, w e g a i n e d a Wallace Cup white jersey campaign saw us lose to only three teams
measure of revenge against – Hastings, King’s and Hamilton. That those three teams
were ranked 1-2-3, respectively, after the National Knock
a team that has had the wood on us for the last couple of out speaks volumes for our development through the year
and our standing in New Zealand Schools Rugby.
seasons in what was a complete team performance in the
The work done through the season by Mr. Hemara and Mr.
midst of a busy schedule. King’s College is always seen as a Mafi in getting this team technically and tactically ready
to go into battle was immense. The combined knowledge
guide as to how we measure up against the top Auckland and mana of these two Palmy Boys’ Old Boys is huge and
we are indebted to all that they bring not only to this team,
schools. This was a slug fest for the majority of the game with but to the rugby fraternity and the school in general. Of
course the players would not be able to perform at the
King’s eventually pulling away, but we took a great deal of highest level without the work put in by Mr. Johnson who
produces athletes with big hearts year in, year out. When
confidence out of this game for the final stanza of our season. things are stacking up against you, to know that you have
been in dark places at training gives you the confidence to
NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS KNOCK OUT keep fighting and this played a significant part in the style
Hurricanes QF vs Napier Boys’ High School (W 16-12) of our play this year.
Try: Ruben Love; Conversion: Ruben Love; Penalties: Ruben
Love x 2 We had a tremendous set of sponsors supporting us this
year. Our thanks to Mrs. Wenham for all the work she does in
Hurricanes SF vs Scots College (W 24-22) ensuring they were well informed and a part of our journey.
Tries: Ruben Love, Logan Love, Bryn Gordon; Conversions: Thank you to our sponsors Todd Collins and Matt McKinnon
Ruben Love x 3; Penalty: Ruben Love from NZ Specialized Coatings, and Aaron Currie from Higgins
who travelled far and wide to show their passion for Palmy
Boys’ Rugby, as well as McVerry Crawford Motors, NZ Travel
Brokers and the Verdict Café for all that they did. Their
support combined with Mr. King and Mr. Hubbard and the
White Jersey Club meant that our players were able to focus
on being good buggers and playing the best rugby they
could. Bushy the bus driver celebrated 20 years of driving
the 1st XV this year and we, as always, are indebted to this
superb custodian of our young men. Our final thanks is to

240 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

Final v Hastings Boys’ High School their efforts. We impressed upon our young men that this
approach should be more than just rugby-centric. We are
our group of supporters – family, friends and staff. It is at fortunate to be able to play the game we love and enjoy the
your level that the true sacrifices are made so we can pursue camaraderie that comes out of it, but our main focus is to
our sporting passion and we will never be able to thank you add value to all that we are involved in. The 2019 1st XV was
enough for all that you do. a fine group of young men and we cannot wait to follow
their journeys.
Our mantra this year was “know your job, do your job –
no regrets”. This demanded an all in approach from our
players and as a coaching group, we are massively proud of

HIGGINSCONCRETE.CO.NZ

Proud to have cemented a relationship with PNBHS

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 241

PLAYER PROFILES both his leadership and his play, Tamati became an integral part of the back line and
consistently stepped up when the team played some superb rugby. He is strong in
Nasser Tato (3 tries) needed something special and he can reflect the contact zone and his work rate is a big
Nasser struggled with injuries and fitness on a season where he did everything in his weapon.
through the season and thus struggled to power to put his team in winning positions.
recapture his first year form. At his best, he Jack Trotter
is a dominant scrummager and destructive Ethan Johanson (1 try) Jack brings power running to the game and
ball runner. He is a popular team man and Ethan had a superb season, with his tackle is developing his passing game. He has a
needs to get himself set for a big final year and ruck work the most pleasing aspect of his good rugby brain and works hard off the field
of 1st XV rugby. play. He is an extremely intelligent player and to improve his game. He will have gained
his ability to make quick decisions and pop a good deal of knowledge this year for his
Raymond Tuputupu up in the right place at the right time added final season.
Raymond had a massive year, reaping the massive value to this team.
rewards of a hard pre-season. He was our rock Chance Malu (1 try)
at scrum time and a huge physical presence Soane Fakahau (2 tries) Chance is an explosive athlete who is equally
in the contact zone. He is the epitome of the Soane worked very hard in the pre-season effective on attack as he is defensively. He
silent assassin and his work ethic and humility and gained the appropriate rewards. He was has quick feet and is a threat every time he
suggest a big future. very strong in the close quarters and his style carries. He possesses an outstanding tackle
of play suited our game plan. As clarity came and looks to add value at every opportunity.
Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou (1 try) over his role, his play trended upwards and he He worked exceptionally hard to improve
Feleti has a massive physical presence and played some great rugby through the season. his knowledge of midfield play and was
has worked hard on his mobility. He is a rewarded with selection to the Hurricanes
strong scrummager and with a consistent Ben Ruawai (2 tries) U18 squad.
approach to his game on and off the field, will A converted back, Ben made huge strides
be a huge part of the 2020 season. this year in his knowledge of back row play. Tavita Henare-Schuster (6 tries)
He is very aggressive in the contact zone Tavita has made massive shifts this year both
Darius Mafile’o (2 tries) and his handling and speed made him an on and off the field and is to be congratulated
A hugely explosive athlete on both sides outstanding asset for the team – either as a for doing so. He is an explosive player who
of the ball, Darius has a promising future starter or as impact of the bench. invariably beats the first tackle and carries
in the game with a consistent approach to past the gain line with power and pace.
his conditioning and core roles. He was, at Elyjah Crosswell (2 tries) His decision making defensively improved
times, a game changer for the 1st XV when Elyjah’s season was cut very short through through the season and he is capable of
he came on. injury requiring surgery. He is a player of putting great shots on.
outstanding ability and promise with pace,
Bryn Gordon (7 tries) power and skilful aggression. He is setting Jayden Keelan (2 tries)
Bryn had an outstanding season, transitioning himself for a massive final year. Jayden has a massive work rate and a superb
from loose forward to hooker. He has a skill set. He is very fast and elusive and
massive work rate on and off the field and Jared Sellwood created many opportunities this year through
was a part of a leadership group that led by Jared’s level of play for the 2nd XV earned his vision and decision making. He is a sound
example. He is a damaging runner and is him a deserved promotion into the 1st XV for defender and brings real energy to the team.
strong in the contact zone. He scored some the knock out stages of the season. He is a
match-winning Tries through the season and player of immense promise with tremendous Kalani Grant (3 tries)
can be proud of his efforts. anticipation and awareness. With a solid off- Kalani is a multi-skilled player who has made
season he will be a very important player in the most of the opportunities he has earned
Harlow Apiata his final year. this season. He is an elusive runner and
A tremendous team man who always gave his defensive decision making developed
his best on and off the pitch. He was very Matthew Oldridge massively as the year progressed. He is very
consistent with his core roles and was an After a long apprenticeship, 2019 was Matty’s calm under pressure and added value with
explosive ball runner. Another member of year and he did not disappoint. A quieter all his performances.
the leadership group who led by example halfback, he is first and foremost and great
and can reflect on a superb season. decision maker and chooses his moments Ruben Love (6 tries, 19 conversions, 21
well. He is deceptively fast and shows penalties)
Jack Wenham (1 try) great strength in the contact zone. His pass Ruben is a phenomenal athlete who has a
Jack was a part of a second row that was invariably found its target and he was a massive work ethic. He is hugely aspirational
small in stature (by locking standards) but reliable performer for the team. and does all that he can to ensure he meets
huge in heart. He consistently put himself his goals. He is fast, powerful and very
in positions to make a difference both Logan Love (1 try) skilled and brought his competitive spirit to
defensively and offensively. His defensive Logan made a return from shoulder surgery every game. His efforts were rewarded with
work in particular, was immense through midway through the season and showed selection into the New Zealand Secondary
the season and he regularly had a high what he is capable of. Equally at home at 9 or Schools team and he has a bright future in
tackle count. 10, his biggest asset is his ability to see space the game.
and exploit that space with a great skill set.
Tom Hansen His attack work this season was superb and Carson Hepi
The other half of the smallest locking he can look forward to a huge 2020. Carson is the ultimate team man. He is
combination in 1st XV rugby. Tom has a a skilful attacker and worked hard on his
massive work rate on both sides of the ball Jordi Viljoen (1 try) defence with good reward. He pushes the
and as the season wore, his tackle accuracy Jordi has a superb set of skills as a halfback players around him to be the best they can
improved significantly through hard work. and is a dedicated trainer. He is a player of be and always brings positive energy to every
His performances in the knock out stages of immense promise and would have gained training and game.
the season showed how mentally tough he from his 1st XV experiences this year. Jordi
is and he has a big future in the white jersey. is certainly a player to watch in the future. Leo Gordon
Leo had an outstanding season for the 2nd
Reuben Davis Curtis Heaphy (3 tries, 14 conversions, 12 XV and was rewarded with game time in
Reuben showed he is a promising player who penalties) the latter half of the season. He is a great
would have gained a great deal of insight Curtis has a superb competitive spirit and this defender with sound decision making and
from his experiences this season. He is a shows in the way he plays and trains. He is superb technique. His calmness under
solid lineout operator and is learning how he developing well as a game driver at this level pressure is a huge asset to the team and he
can best use his body as a tight forward. A and the amount of thought he puts into his will be better for the experiences.
solid off-season will stand him in good stead game during the week shows on game day.
going forward. He works hard on his skills and this allows him Lafo Takiari-Ah Ching
to play the game at a high level. Lafo had the season off due to ongoing
Tamati Ruawai (3 tries) concussion symptoms. He was not lost to
The skip was a beast throughout the season. Josh Ellingham (2 tries) the team though. His efforts at training and
Brutal at the breakdown, he refused to be Josh is an intelligent player who developed during the games meant he was, in effect, an
dominated in the contact zone and this absolute clarity over his role in the team. extra coach. His ability is immense and he will
showed in the way he played. Through As his confidence and physicality grew, he play a huge role in 2020.

242 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 243

SECOND XV

RUGBY 2ND XV
Back Row: Hunta Boyes, Tom Beard, James Cameron, Zane Munn, Livai Stevenson, Charlie Justice
3rd Row: Pulotu Toumohuni, Aaron Ioane, Brody Zander, Kodie Albert-Papuni, James Waterson, Kopere Tanoa
2nd Row: Mr S Davidson (Coach), V J Tauli, Sam Simpson, Nasi Manu, Bailey Tyler, Leo Gordon, Ms L Cameron (Manager),
Mr D Turnock (Coach)
Front Row: Ezra Petley-Kiriona, Sheriff Isopo, Carson Hepi, Jared Sellwood, Reif Dawson, Tom Kirk, Jakob Rauhihi-Collis
Absent: Jershon Carberry, Kalis Mason

Coaches: Mr S. Davidson, Mr D. Turnock Hastings Boys’ High School
Manager: Ms L. Cameron The 2nd XV headed to Hastings keen to build on their victory
over Gisborne. Unfortunately, a very poor first half saw them
2019 saw the PNBHS 2nd XV competing in two competitions: well behind and despite a spirted second half fightback, the
the 2nd XV Super Eight competition and the Manawatu 2nd XV were defeated 43-25.
Premier 1 competition, as well as playing a number of Tries: James Cameron (2), Reif Dawson, Leo Gordon (2)
interschool fixtures. Following a strong pre-season which
included a 107-5 victory over Lindisfarne College 2nd XV, a Hamilton Boys’ High School
38-10 win over Hutt International Boys’ School 1st XV and The 2nd XV entertained Hamilton Boys’ at Coronation Park.
a narrow 24-22 loss to Rathkeale College 1st XV, the boys The game started poorly with Hamilton bagging an early
were confident of performing well. try to lead 7-0 and they extended this close to half-time to
10-0. The half-time chat galvanised PNBHS and the forwards
SUPER EIGHT began to take it to the Hamilton pack. Charlie Justice scored
Gisborne Boys’ High School after a series of ‘pick and go’s’ before Jared Sellwood seized
The 2nd XV opened their Super Eight campaign with a trip to on an error at lineout time to score again.The PNBHS defence
play Gisborne Boys’. A strong first half saw the 2nd XV build was superb from this point and they secured a 14-10 win.
a healthy lead. Gisborne rallied in the second half but the Tries: Charlie Justice, Jared Sellwood. Conversions: Reif
PNBHS 2nd XV was too good as they secured a 53-24 victory. Dawson (2)
Tries: Reif Dawson x 2, Bailey Tyler x 2, Carson Hepi, Sheriff
Isopo, Livai Stevenson x2, Kopere Tanoa. Conversions:
Kopere Tanoa, Reif Dawson x 3

244 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

New Plymouth Boys’ High School PREMIER 1 COMPETITION
A poor start gifted New Plymouth a try before Reif Dawson R1 – Manukura 1st XV: PNBHS played a strong Manukura
reduced the deficit. Another error again saw New Plymouth team who dominated the contact area and won the game
lead before Soane Fakahau bundled over. Reif added his 42-12.
second before Piutau Halafa’u secured the win and the team’s Tries: Reif Dawson, Zane Munn. Conversion: Reif Dawson
third victory in the Super Eight season.
Tries: Reif Dawson (2), Soane Fakahau, Piutau Halafa’u. R2 – Cullinane College: PNBHS entertained Cullinane
Conversions: Reif Dawson (2) College and controlled the game winning 19-0.
Tries: James Cameron, Kalis Mason, BaileyTyler. Conversions:
Tauranga Boys’ College Reif Dawson (2)
PNBHS travelled to Tauranga Boys’ College in good form. A
fast start saw Tom Beard score early before TBC took control R3 – Hato Paora College: PNBHS travelled to play the
and led 19-12 at the half. PNBHS rallied and their forwards dangerous Hato Paora College 1st XV. They played superbly,
got into the game with Jared Sellwood scoring twice to claim controlling the game and winning 31-17.
the victory 24-12. Tries: Simi Togoloa (2), Leo Gordon (3). Conversions: Kopere
Tries: Tom Beard, Jared Sellwood (2), James Cameron. Tanoa (3)
Conversions: Reif Dawson (2)
R4 – Cullinane
Rotorua Boys’ High School College: PNBHS
A poor start from PNBHS saw them 14-0 down and reduced dominated the
to 14 men before they rallied and levelled the scores at half- match and ran out
time.The second half saw Rotorua use their big forwards very comfortable winners
effectively and they sealed the game 31-19. 36-12.
Tries: Jordi Viljoen, Carson Hepi, Zane Munn. Conversions: Tries: PJ Halafa’u,
Kopere Tanoa (2) Kalis Mason (2),
Brody Zander, VJ
Napier Boys’ High School Tauli & Zane Munn.
The 2nd XV were determined to end their Super Eight Conversions: Kopere
campaign on a high. Unfortunately, a strong start from Tanoa (3)
Napier saw them gain a 7-0 lead before the weather closed in.
Despite the 2nd XV’s dominance, they lacked the necessary R5 – Feilding 2nd
accuracy and fell to a narrow 7-5 defeat. XV: PNBHS travelled
Try: Kalis Mason to play local rivals
Fielding and secured
Super Eight Final Placing: Fourth. the victory 38-28.
Tries: Reif Dawson (2),
INTERSCHOOL FIXTURES Darius Mafile’o, Bailey
Wellington College Tyler, Leo Gordon,
PNBHS went into this traditional fixture confident of putting Kopere Tanoa.
in a strong performance. It was a day in which everything Conversions: Reif
‘clicked’. Both the backs and forwards were superb, and they Dawson (4)
destroyed the Wellington College side 95-0.
Tries: Kalis Mason (2), James Cameron (3), Reif Dawson (2), R6 – Manukura 2nd XV: PNBHS entertained Manukura 2nd
Kalani Grant (2), Jakob Rauhihi-Collis, Leo Gordon, Ezra Petley, XV and played superbly, winning 74-0.
James Waterson, VJ Tauli, Jared Sellwood. Conversions: Reif Tries: Leo Gordon (2), Sheriff Isopo (3), Sam Simpson, Kalis
Dawson (4), Ezra Petley (6) Mason, Bailey Tyler, Kodie-Albert Papuni, Tom Kirk (2), Zane
Munn. Conversions: Kopere Tanoa (5), Jakob Rauhihi-Collis,
Francis Douglas Memorial College Kodie-Albert Papuni
PNBHS started well with the forwards dominating the
collision and the backs finding space. They built a healthy R7 – Manukura 1st XV: The 2nd XV competed hard but
half-time lead and maintained the pressure in the second despite their best efforts, were beaten 34-7.
half, racking up a 36-0 win. Try: Bailey Tyler. Conversion: Kopere Tanoa
Tries: James Cameron (2), Reif Dawson (2), Jared Sellwood
(2). Conversions: Reif Dawson (3) Semi-Final v Cullinane College:The 2nd XV played Cullinane
College in the semi-final for the third time. A slow start saw
St Patrick’s College, Silverstream them trail 14-0 before they took control scoring some great
A poor start saw Silverstream control the first half, but they tries on the way to a 46-28 win.
were unable to take advantage and only led 6-3 at the break. Tries: Jared Sellwood (4), James Cameron (2), Reif Dawson,
A strong second half saw PNBHS stretch away to lead 34- Zane Munn. Conversions: Kopere Tanoa (3).
13, before a late score to Silverstream reduced the deficit
to 34-20. Final v Manukura 1st XV: PNBHS faced off against Manukura
Tries: Reif Dawson (2), James Waterson, Jakob Rauhihi-Collis 1st XV for the third time. A superb first half saw the 2nd XV
(2). Conversions: Reif Dawson (3). Penalty: Reif Dawson trailing 19-16, before Manukura pulled away in the second
half, securing the win 40-21.
Tries: Sam Simpson, James Cameron. Conversions: Kopere
Tanoa, Penalties: Kopere Tanoa (2). Drop-Goal: Reif Dawson

AWARDS: Top Scorer: Reif Dawson; Team Man: Kodie
Albert-Papuni; Most Improved Back: Leo Gordon; Best Back:
Carson Hepi; Most Improved Forward: Tom Beard; Best
Forward: Aaron Ioane; Player of the Year: Jared Sellwood;
Players’ Player of the Year: Jared Sellwood.

REPRESENTATIVES: The following boys have gained places in
the Manawatu U16 Representative team: Pulotu Toumohuni,
Zane Munn, Livai Stevenson, Nasi Manu, Kodie Albert-Papuni,
Jakob Rauhihi-Collis, Leo Gordon and Hunta Boyes.

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 245

246 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

THIRD XV

RUGBY 3RD XV
Back Row: Camryn Mabey, Simione
Togoloa, Isaiah Hauraki, James
Philpott, Wade McNabb
2nd Row: Mr J Moore (Coach), Elijah
Brooks-Bowen, Neitana Blissett,
Keanu Watson, Mr S Henderson
(Coach), Mr B Buckley (Manager)
Front Row: Dominic Smith, Devon
Chapman, Caleb Martin, Max
Zander, Sipuaa Ah Chong, Regan
Fleming
Absent: Imre Duncan, Ryan Gleeson,
Piutau Halafa’u, Zac Livingston,
Reuben Lundy, Seth Te Hore-
Gardiner, Liam Todd

Coaches: Mr S. Henderson, Mr J. Moore was converted for the team to go up 7-0 and was quickly
followed by an unconverted try to Waiopehu. Some quick
Manager: Mr B. Buckley thinking from a penalty close to the line saw us cross out
wide, taking a 12-5 lead with five minutes to play in the first
Team: Front Rowers - Elijah Brooks-Bowen, Imre Duncan, half. Unable to exit, the team were under pressure and some
Neitana Blissett, Otis Luxford-Sullivan, Max Zander. good continuity saw Waiopehu hammering at the line. The
Locks - Caleb Martin, Keanu Watson, James Philpot. Loose defence held strong until the last moment where they scored
Forwards – Regan Fleming, Dominic Smith, Seth Te Hore- on half-time and brought the scores close, 12-10. Turning at
Gardiner. Halfbacks – Camryn Mabey, Ryan Gleeson. First half-time with the lead, the 3rd XV knew the game was not
Five – Wade McNabb. Midfield Backs – Isaiah Hauraki, over and they would need to keep at it for the duration. The
Piutau Halafa’u, Devon Chapman. Outside Backs – Liam game was end to end and as the weather deteriorated, the
Todd, Simione Togoloa, Sipuaa Ah Chong, Reuben Lundy, more difficult things became. With about 10 minutes play,
Zach Livingstone a penalty was awarded and kicked by Waiopehu to get out
to a 13-12 lead. The boys dug deep but were unable to get
Season Statistics: Played 12, Won 10, Lost 2 in a position to add to the score and as the full-time whistle
blew, the game and final had been lost. It was a tough way
Runners-Up Manawatu Secondary School Rugby to end a season, but the boys should be proud of the way
Premier 2 Championship they conducted themselves and played throughout the year.
The 2019 rugby season was a successful and fun season
for the 3rd XV. A come from behind one point win over A huge thanks to Bruce from us all for managing the team
Dannevirke 1st XV in the first match of the year gave the and all the extras you did, it has been great working with
team the belief that was needed and the understanding you. The coaches, manager and players would like to thank
that there was a need to train and work hard. The boys then the families, friends and supporters who were on the sideline
went on an eight game winning streak, winning home and each week, as well as everyone who showed up for the final.
away gaining four try bonus points in all but one match. This The support was appreciated and we hope we represented
also included a mid-week victory over Napier Boys’ 3rd XV. you well. For the Year 13 boys, this was the last game to
be played in a PNBHS jersey. We hope that you continue
The next match was against Waiopehu College 1st XV, the to play the game we all love beyond school and that your
team’s third game in eight days. The boys tried hard but with final season was an enjoyable one and one that you will
tired legs and few subs, a passionate Waiopehu got over the remember. For the returning students, we look forward to
top of us for the first loss of the season. A great semi-final win watching your progress and seeing what the 2020 season
over Dannevirke 1st XV (29-19) saw the team face Waiopehu brings for you.
again in the final.
And for one last time, hands in – PB on 3 – 1, 2, 3, PB!
The game was an outstanding match with extremely physical
play up front and both sets of backs looking to use the
width. A well-worked try from the forwards off a lineout

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 247

U16A DEVELOPMENT

RUGBY U16
Back Row: Vincent Patelesio, Levi
Neilson-Treur, Caelim Reeves, Will
Turner, Tama Nikora, Tipene Treacy,
Hayden Bell
2nd Row: Mr P Finch (Coach), Xavier
Phillips, Cody Borlase, Thomas
Mortiboy, Lawrence Leung Wai,
Robert Halatuituia, Zac Maskill, Miss
E Mitchell (Manager)
Front Row: Vince Tahiwi-MacMillan,
Zayden Meyers-Giesen, Tusi Mafi,
Jonty Fleck, Keanu Mason, Ben
Beard, George Oltaches
Absent: Sam Brodie, Mr B Greer
(Coach)

Coaches: Mr P. Finch, Mr B. Greer We wish those who have gained places in the PNBHS
U16A team in the annual Quadrangular Tournament and
Manager: Miss E. Mitchell Manawatu U16 Representative team successful end to their
2019 season.
Team: Ben Beard, Hayden Bell(*), Cody Borlase(*), Sam
Brodie(*), Jonty Fleck, Robert Halatuituia(*), Lawrence
Leung Wai(*), Tusi Mafi, Zac Maskill(*), Keanu Mason(*),
Zayden Meyers-Giesen, Thomas Mortiboy, Levi Neilson-
Treur(*), Tama Nikora (*#), George Oltaches(*), Vincent
Patelesio, Xavier Phillips(*), Caelim Reeves(*), Vince
Tahiwi-MacMillan, Tipene Treacy and Will Turner.

(*) PNBHS U16A Quadrangular Tournament team, (#)
Manawatu U16 Representative team

MANAWATU SECONDARY SCHOOLS PREMIER 3B
COMPETITION
Following some good performances in the grading games,
the U16A Development team was placed into the Manawatu
Rugby Union Premier 3(B) competition alongside the PNBHS
U15 Colts, Manukura Black, Tai Wananga Tu Toa/St Peters/
LAC, Feilding High School 15A, Manawatu College 1st XV
and Feilding High School 3rd XV.

The objective of the U16A Development team is to expose
the young men selected to a good level of opposition each
week and to develop them to be able to step up into one
of our top teams next year.

The season provided our young men with a strong platform.
Many boys displayed performances that would ensure that
they play at higher honours in 2020. The team showed that
they could compete with any team in this grade but learnt
that they need to sustain intensity in order to beat good
teams.

248 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019