Rugby: Whangarei Boys' High make strong start to Harbour competition

Whangārei Boys' High School winger Toitehuatahi Munro draws in plenty of defenders as he fights to stay on his feet. PHOTO/ALAN BEE

A loss to Westlake Boys' High School is a small blip on an impressive start to the Harbour 1A competition for Whangārei Boys' High School first XV.

Taking on one of the traditional heavyweights of the division, WBHS knew their work was cut out for them.

They went in with a good level of confidence in their ability to compete but early errors saw them concede two quick tries to put them firmly on the backfoot.

Whangārei muscled up and showed the determination that had seen them win their opening two matches, scoring a well worked try due to the tireless work of the forward pack.

The visitors went into the half time break 21-5 down but another try on the back of top forward play brought them back into the contest.

However, the class of Westlake shone through for the remainder of the clash despite the Northland side putting plenty of pressure on.

Westlake steadily added to their lead, eventually running out 54-12 victors.

WBHS were on the back of a quick turnaround after a strong 32-3 home victory over Massey High School.

In somewhat of a rarity, fullback Rocky Olsen opened the scoring with a drop goal.

Whangarei went on the attack and scored shortly after through winger Malachi Te Rore King, who dived over in the corner.

The backline came to the fore during the Massey clash, exemplified by a cross field kick from first five Max Brunker to find Toitehuatahi Munro, who claimed possession and raced to score.

Defensive energy was a key factor in the win with only one penalty goal being conceded.

Ben West played a big role in the forward pack while second five Richie Levita kept ticking the scoreboard over regularly from the kicking tee.

Other standout players were prop Ethan Wikaira, hooker Walton Edwards, and No 8 Eseli Fono.

Whangārei Boys' next take on Orewa which could consolidate their top four position going deeper into the season.