Whangarei Boys' High School were overwhelmed in the second spell by Westlake Boys High School to bow out of this year's Land Rover New Zealand First XV National Championships.
The Whangarei team played well for most of the first half to be in touch at 3-14 in Saturday's match inAuckland but the effect of defending cost them dearly in the second spell and they were finally overwhelmed 52-8.
Coach Ron Iraia said Westlake's speedy backs cut his side into ribbons during the second half.
"Their backs were the difference really, they were a lot faster than ours and that showed in the second half when we were tiring," he said.
"I think the other major factor was a lack of match fitness. Westlake finished their competition last week but we finished ours four weeks ago."
The coach was still proud of the side's achievements and said in general it was a good effort against such a well-structured and disciplined side as Westlake.
With many of the team leaving school at the end of this year, Iraia said next year will be one of rebuilding.
