Bounceback win to GBHS u14s in ‘stunner’ of a match

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne Boys’ High School under-14s won a great game of rugby on Saturday.

The Mark Jefferson-coached side beat Akina Hastings BHS 19-17 away in a nail-biter that produced six tries.

Having begun their season with a 47-0 win against East Coast at Ruatoria on June 1 and come through a 32-0 loss to Rotorua here on June 10, captain and  openside flanker Jared Pearse’s GBHS unit earned high praise from Jefferson.

“It was a great game and from our perspective a good way to bounce back from Rotorua,” said Jefferson.

“We played in the right areas of the field and defended better than we did last weekend.

“We got together four weeks ago and we’re building towards the Ian Colquhoun Invitational Tournament in late August.”

On a chilly day, Hawke’s Bay referee Jarrod Macdonald took charge of the u14s clash at Akina.

GBHS made a strong start to the game in the 24th minute.

Hooker Kahutia Crawford found lock Olly Mackintosh at a lineout at halfway, halfback Mana Nepia cleared left to first-five Jethro Morris, who then found fullback Justin Madoc.

Madoc was brought down a metre from Hastings’ goal-line. Morris got to the breakdown, took the ball and scored a grand try.

He then converted his try.

Akina responded four minutes later with a try to No.8 Kalani Lowe and fullback Victory Voice’s conversion levelled it  7-all.

At the 50 minute-mark, GBHS left-wing Jimmy Tufuga successfully chased a chip kick from Morris from seven metres inside the home team’s territory to score in the left corner.

But the hosts hit back within four minutes with a second try to Lowe to tie it up 12-apiece.

With nine minutes to play, Mackintosh scored under the crossbar and Madoc converted for 19-12 .

Akina’s chance to snatch a draw came with four minutes remaining when fetcher Kauri Wilson-Hunter scored out wide, leaving Voice a tough conversion attempt, which he missed.

GBHS skipper fetcher Pearse was on cloud nine over with his outfit’s gutsy performance away from home.

“They were bigger than us and it was a tough, exciting game,” he said. “This was our first win together away against a good Hastings team.

“I’m proud of our boys and we’re all proud to represent our school.”

Blindside flanker Samuel Fox’s skills, tenacity and heart saw him named Most Valuable Player  for Gisborne while Voice was accorded that honour for the blue and reds.

“Play went from one side of the field to the other countless times,” Hastings head coach Johan Theron said. “Gisborne scored, then we hit right back.

That match was everything you want and expect . . . it was a stunner.”

Gisborne Boys’ High’s 1st and 2nd XV Super 8 away games against New Plymouth Boys’ High, scheduled for tomorrow, have been postponed due to safety concerns around the weather.

Next week’s Super 8 football tournament in Gisborne has also been put on hold.

“The weather is currently pretty grim with a lot of road closures and local bus routes stopped and more heavy rain forecast,” GBHS principal Tom Cairns said on the school’s Facebook page.

“The weather forecast and rain prediction for Saturday is currently looking serious as well and there is a risk that we may not be able to return if roads close.

“The safety of 54 boys and staff is paramount.”

New dates for the rugby and football fixtures are yet to be confirmed.