True 1st XV battle in Kaitaia

Kaitaia College 19 Massey High 20 (ht 19-5): There was disappointment following a gallant effort from the Kaitaia College 1st XV players, aware they had let a strong lead slip through their fingers in a clash in Kaitaia last Wednesday.

The game was the second semifinal for co-ed institutions within the Blues franchise. Kaitaia coach Dave Jurlina said it had been hard to imagine proceedings could have gone much better for the home side following a fantastic first half playing into the wind.

"It looked like the dream was possible if they could continue with the same passion," he said, noting his players defence matched their strong attacking raids and they deserved the half-time lead through tries to Hamish Pomare (2) and Justin Brown. Raymond Morunga added two conversions.

The second half plan was to kick deep with the wind at their backs and play in Massey's half to put the visitors under pressure. But a lack of possession enabled Massey's strong runners to take control and score three good tries to go ahead with 15 minutes to play. There were more opportunities for the local boys to sneak home but it wasn't to be as the final whistle blew.

A Massey High player had to be restrained by his teammates as he vigorously jeered at the losing team and supporters, which put a slight tarnish on proceedings..

Jurlina noted both teams showed equal levels of skill and passion but said, upon reflection, that possibly the lack of playing as a 1st XV - Kaitaia had four games this season - and superior fitness were the difference.

"The Far North should be proud of our local boys. When you line up the statistics, such as school sizes - Massey with a roll of 2300 compared with Kaitaia College's 830 - and the fact they play as a regular Saturday side, this was a credible effort.

"The pre-match goal was to take one Auckland scalp and continue on week by week after that because beating any Auckland side doesn't happen on a regular basis in any rugby grade. But no one enjoys coming second and already the returning boys were plotting next year's attempt to take a big Auckland scalp."

Despite the final result, Jurlina said the match provided a rare opportunity for the local boys to "pitch themselves against some tougher opposition, test their abilities at a more intense level and also show the local community a true 1st XV battle".

He was also pleased with the support the side received from the school and wider community going into the bigger arena.

Rugby aside, the friendships that were formed from billeting the Massey boys, brought back some old memories from a few older local lads of their days as billets.

"A very successful two days, on and off the field, for our school and local community and hopefully an experience both teams will remember for years to come."

Massey High lost at home to Tangaroa High School - the south Auckland champions - by 46-18 on Moyer Park in Auckland on Saturday. Tangaroa now progresses to play the co-ed champion from the Chiefs franchise (unknown).