Rugby: North pair to fore as school teams beat visitors

Sam Nock.

Two tries apiece to Northlanders Sam Nock and Shelford Murray proved decisive for their respective representative school teams who both beat international opponents.

Nock's brace came for the New Zealand Schools team who retained the Trans-Tasman Shield, holding off a rousing Australian comeback to win 34-24 in Porirua.

Meanwhile, Murray's New Zealand Barbarians Schools team maintained their unbeaten record with a 22-16 win over Fijian Schools.

At the inaugural Jock Hobbs Memorial National U19 Tournament in Taupo, Northland finished second-to-last after beating Counties Manukau 27-7.

Northland had a tough week at the office, kicking off with a 36-0 loss to Manawatu after being down 10-0 at half time.

New Zealand Rugby general manager community and provincial union rugby Brent Anderson said the inaugural tournament had delivered on its commitment of quality rugby, meaningful competition, valuable education and a great showcase for the next generation of players.

Wellington's under-19 team showed the are in better form than their ITM Cup counterparts as they secured the Graham Mourie Cup in the premiership division of the inaugural competition, beating Canterbury 32-21 in Taupo on Saturday.

In other Northland representative results, Northland's division two team beat North Harbour's Marist Colts 27-16.

The region's under-18 Vikings team ran out comfortable winners over King Country 45-14.

Northland's Roller Mills team couldn't quite manage a repeat of last year's heroics of making the final of the tournament, losing 23-5 to Auckland East.

Northland finished fourth after losing to Auckland West in the third and fourth play-off 27-19.