Hawke's Bay teams had contrasting wins in Saturday's opening round of the Super 8 first XV rugby competition.
While Napier Boys' High School scored an emphatic 47-20 victory against Gisborne Boys' High School at home, Hastings Boys' High School, who are the joint defending champions with Hamilton Boys' High School, had to wait for a last second penalty from first five-eighth Shamara Brooks to pip Palmerston North Boys' High School 17-15 in Palmy. Napier led 26-10 at halftime.
"Our entire team performed well," delighted NBHS coach Brendon Ratcliffe said afterwards.
Outstanding tighthead prop Patrick Teddy and hooker Tyrone Thompson led the hosts engine room by example. Thompson's brother, second five-eighth Leo Thompson was the kingpin in the Napier backline.
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Teddy, Tyrone Thompson, Angus Kilmister, Max Anderson, Jayden Stok and Luke Russell scored tries for Napier, who were also awarded a penalty try. First five-eighth Henry Williams kicked five conversions.