Kamo grab secondary schools' title

Kamo High School overpowered Kaitaia College in a thrilling match to wrest away the Maggie Dixon 1st XV final in Whangarei this week.

The hosts scored three tries to Kaitaia's two to win 20-14 in a match where rucks, mauls and pick-and-go drivers were the highlights.

Kamo drew first blood through a penalty to Shea Currie after sustained pressure on the Kaitaia defence forced an error.

Kaitaia replied with a try to Nash Butters-Kiwikiwi, which was converted by Mitchel Jurlina.

The game see-sawed from one end to the other as strong defence prevented both sides from scoring.

However, Kamo centre Dominic Ormsby was nearly pushed out but managed to dot down for his team's first try after a good run down the left flank.

The try was not converted.

Kamo then extended their lead 13-7 with a try to Mathew Hewitt.

A period of pressure around the ruck and maul paid off for Kaitaia with a try to Josh Mane, converted by Jurlina.

The score was 14-13 in Kaitaia's favour with 15 minutes to go and the game seemed likely to go to the wire.

After recovering from a kick-off error, Kamo worked their way deep into opposition territory and were rewarded with another try, to Jacob Matiu, which was converted by Currie.

Kamo managed to withstand a late Kaitaia charge and win the secondary schools' competition.

Matiu, Carew Hapi and Hewitt were the standout players for Kamo while Josh Mani and Jurlina had a strong game for Kaitaia.

Both teams displayed a good, open style of rugby.