Rugby: Youthful Te Aute hang on to shield

Te Aute College 1st XV celebrate a second consecutive win in a Challenge Shield final. Photo / Alphapix

Te Aute College's 1st XV rugby team won a second consecutive Hawke's Bay Challenge Shield final at Napier's McLean Park on Saturday.

In the curtainraiser to the Mitre 10 Cup clash between Hawke's Bay and Wellington, Te Aute beat Wairoa College, 39-26. Coach Harley Thomas said the win was well-deserved, especially given how young the side was.

"After a tight first half, the boys played out of their skin in the second half, demonstrating some really explosive rugby to get three more tries under their belts.

"With 16 of the 23 players set to return next year, this highlights just how young the team was this season, making the victory even more of a credit to them."

While disappointed with the result, Wairoa College certainly didn't go down without a fight and gave their all on the field.

"They were a really strong side and a pleasure to play against," Thomas said.

The Challenge Shield is part of Unison's sponsorship with the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union and an extension of its junior rugby programme.

When presenting the shield on behalf of the Unison Group, relationship manager Danny Gough said Unison was proud to support the region's rising rugby stars.

"We get a real thrill out of supporting local rugby at this level and I personally look forward to this match every year.

"Many of these players have come right through our junior rugby programme and their passion for the game is evidently still strong. As long as this is the case, they are leading active lifestyles which is what we want to see in our communities."

In addition to the shield, Gough presented each player of the winning team with a medal and a sports voucher for the college. Wairoa College also received a sports voucher.