Latrell Ah Kiong of Hastings. Photo / Photosport
Hastings Boys' High School have won their second First XV rugby national title in three years with a thrilling win over King's College in the final in Palmerston North this afternoon.
See how the match unfolded in our live updates.
The HBHS first XV secured a berth in Sunday's National Top Four final in Palmerston North for the third time in four years with an 11-10 victory over Hamilton Boys' High School in their semifinal.
Hastings enjoyed the early territorial advantage and possession in wet conditions. They were rewarded for this domination when first five-eighth Latrell Ah Kiong slotted a penalty attempt at goal from 42 metres out in the seventh minute.
Hastings co-captain and blindside flanker Connor Wadley was unlucky not to score in the 18th minute after the bounce eluded him after a clever kick ahead from busy No 8 Cooper Flanders. Hastings defensive work during the first 30 minutes was outstanding and their breakdown work superb.
A solid tackle from centre Andrew Hayward in the 30th minute forced a turnover which resulted in winger Mefi Tupou scoring in the corner. The score remained 8-0 at halftime.
Second five-eighth Luke Ale opened Hamilton's account with a try five minutes into the second half. It followed 10 phases of sustained pressure.
First five-eighth Taha Kemara added the conversion. A successful penalty kick from Kemara two minutes later had Hamilton ahead for the first time in the match at 10-8.
Ah Kiong replied with a penalty in the 45th minute. Considering the atrocious weather conditions it was a mighty effort from the composed Hastings side which had no passengers.
They will meet King's College of Auckland in Sunday's final. King's College beat Nelson College 49-17 in their semifinal.
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