Napier too strong for Wairarapa College

Grit and determination wasn't enough for Wairarapa College to overcome a lack of quality possession in their first XV rugby match against Napier Boys High at Wairarapa College yesterday.
Napier Boys scored three tries to none in their 20-3 win but were made to work hard for everything they got by a Wairarapa College side whose character and resolve in tight defensive situtations could not be questioned.This was particularly in the first half which ended with Napier Boys ahead by just the one try, 8 to 3.
Unfortunately for the home team though the dominance of Napier Boys High up front, especially in the set pieces, meant that but for some concerted attacking play in the last 10 minutes they spent most of the game deep in their territory
Which meant in turn that a Wairarapa College backline which looked full of running when the opportunity arose had too few chances to impose themselves on their opposition. It was appropriate though that it should be halfback Cody Whittaker who was responsible for the first half penalty for Wairarapa College as he had a fine game under diffficult cirumstances.His service to his outsides was invariably swift and accurate and he chose his options well. First-five Robbie Anderson also played soundly in the backs while loosies Huib van Vliet, Ricky Brown and Wiremu Grace were all grand value on defence and quick to the breakdowns. Of the tight forwards lock James Neilsen and Joe Beech and hooker Thomas Kainuku were the pick.