Rugby: Both sides chasing first title

Te Nawe Ngatai makes a break for Aquinas College in last week's semifinal win over Trident High School. Photo / Andrew Warner

A new Bay of Plenty secondary school division one champion will be crowned in Rotorua this weekend.

Aquinas College take on Whakatane High School at Rotorua International Stadium with neither team having won the Baywide competition before.

Whakatane coach Carl Reinecke said there was a real buzz about town.

"It's been a long time since Whakatane has made a final. It's been great hearing people talk about the team and school.

"The boys are ready to go. Mentally they are all well and physically they are all fit and ready for Saturday.

"The team is based on a strong fitness and 'can-do' attitude. We're hoping the boys will have fun [in the final] - that is why they all play, to have fun."

Other finals at the Rotorua International Stadium tomorrow include the division two and three finals and age-group finals.

Division two will see Te Wharekura O Mauao taking on their local rivals Katikati College.

It is the first year Te Wharekura O Mauao have had a first XV and so far in 2014 they are unbeaten. Coach and teacher Heywood Kuka said the secret to their success was a lot of hard work and investing time into the boys, and girls.

"The philosophy out our school is if you invest time in anything the kids will show the benefits, in all aspects of school.

"Strong values of Whanaungatanga [family first] and Manakitanga [respect and looking after your fellow student] comes before everything at the school."

Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools rugby manager Kyle McLean is thrilled Rotorua International Stadium can host the finals day. Entry to the venue is free, so spectators are encouraged to come down and enjoy a great day of rugby.

Finals day schedule:

Under-14 final: Rotorua Boys Navy v Trident, 10am field two

Under-15 final: Tauranga Boys' College U15A v Rotorua Boys U15A, 10.30am field one

Second XV final: Tauranga Boys' College 5th XV v Opotiki 2nd XV, 11.30am field two

Division three final: Tauhara College v Western Heights 2nd XV, 1pm field two

Division two final: Te Wharekura O Mauao v Katikati College, noon field one

Division one final: Aquinas College v Whakatane High School, 1.30pm field one