Rugby: Family pride on the line

Napier Boys' High School winger Al Momoisea had his feet shoved into touch by Palmerston North Boys' High School fullback Leighton Ralph before the try was ruled out. Photo / Paul Taylor

If you thought Polson Banner rugby fixtures were just about on-field battles between the Napier and Palmerston North Boys' High Schools' 1st XVs, you're wrong.

There are family rivalries at stake - in particular father-son battles. Yes, those where sons are trying to go one better than their fathers.

"Little Stu has already told me he's on track to go one better because he's going back to school next year and the following year," Taradale Rugby and Sports Club chairman Stu Cruden said after watching the 113th edition of the match in Napier yesterday which was drawn 17-all.

A three-time Polson Banner winner with Palmy during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Cruden, was referring to his son and Taradale JAB product Stewart who became a second-time winner with the visitors yesterday because when matches are drawn the holders retain the banner which is the country's oldest interschool rugby trophy. Cruden jnr, a younger brother of All Black pivot Aaron Cruden, started in the No10 jersey yesterday and last year in Palmy as a year 10 student when the hosts won 51-10.

Yesterday he slotted a last-play conversion of centre James Stratton's try to secure the draw and the banner for his school for the third consecutive year. It was one of three successes from as many attempts at goal for Cruden and this means six of the annual fixtures have been drawn, 63 have been won by Palmy and 44 by Napier.

After leading 9-0 at halftime and 17-3 with 15 minutes remaining Napier were on target to win the banner for the first time since 2013. But at the final whistle, lost opportunities while playing with what was at least an 11-point wind in the first half, proved to be the hosts' downfall.

In-form Hurricanes under-18 openside flanker Will Tremain captained Napier yesterday but his troops also failed to capitalise enough when Palmy had outstanding No8 and captain Brayden Iose, playing his 50th match for the visitors, and halfback Hunter Waller in the sinbin.

"Almost wasn't good enough today. We had to win," a disappointed Tremain said afterwards.

"We had our chances and didn't capitalise. But we've still got a chance in the Hurricanes region playoffs for the national knockout competition and that's our next mission.

"I knew Palmy would come back and we didn't have enough points from the first half," NBHS coach Russell Hewitt said.

Busy NBHS winger Al Momoisea was unlucky to have his feet shoved into touch by PNBHS fullback Leighton Ralph when going for a try midway through the first half. Promising NBHS first five-eighth and Year 11 student Zarn Sullivan did well to land all three of his penalty attempts in the tricky wind during the first half.

The only kick he missed from five attempts was a wide conversion of lock Toby Holden's try early in the second half. Along with Tremain and Sullivan prop Cameron Huata was prominent for the hosts.

Centre Mitch Drew did some outstanding defensive work. This was Palmy's final outing for the season and first Super8 comp win.

"It's good to be able to take the banner home because at least six of our players are leaving this season," Palmy coach Blair van Stipraan said.

Iose, flanker Matene Ruawai and mobile prop Wesley Veikoso were the best of the Palmy forwards and Waller, Cruden and Stratton the pick of the backs.

Napier Boys' High School 17 (Toby Holden try; Zarn Sullivan 4 pens), Palmerston North Boys' High School 17 (Matene Ruawai, James Stratton tries; Stewart Cruden 2 cons; pen). Halftime: 9-0.