Rotorua Boys' High off to winning Super 8 start

THREE-UP: Hat-trick hero, Rotorua Boys' High School fullback Selesitino Ravutaumada, with ball. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

A Selesitino Ravutaumada try hat trick was one of the highlights of Rotorua Boys' High School's Super 8 35-28 win over Tauranga Boys' College today.

Ravutaumada's first came when Boys' High were leading 14-11 after he gathered his own kick through. The Fijian's second, when his acceleration saw him outflank the defence, pushed his team back in front after a resurgent Boys' College had taken the lead just minutes into the second half, and his third came off an inside pass from hooker Bernie Hati just moments later.

Boys' College were under pressure right from the start in Rotorua when the kick-off was fumbled, Tom Ale opening the scoring with a five-pointer within the first two minutes.

But penalties kept the visitors in the game, in terms of possession and position, with Taine Craig-Ranga slotting two to bring the score to 7-6 before Kingston Langilangi burst through at the lineout to score.

Rotorua Boys' High skipper Hayze Perham restored his side's lead, with Ravutaumada's first pushing the score out to 21-11. An obviously motivated Boys' College were not prepared to be intimidated and scored tries either side of the halftime break to once again nudge themselves in front.

The Fijian fullback's second-half double gave Rotorua a little breathing space with Boys' College sub Taylor Kite's try right on the whistle making the final score 35-28.

Rotorua's win came on the back of their Chiefs Cup success last weekend.

"It's a good start to Super 8," said coach Ruki Tipuna.

"Super 8's a hard comp and all the teams are good, Tauranga included. We're happy with the win, happy to get the points."

Tipuna said he didn't feel his team played particularly well and there wasn't one single factor that led to the glut of penalties conceded in the first half.

"It was a little bit of everything - a little bit of rustiness, having a Thursday game, a disruptive week of training. It's not an excuse, but we really didn't train well yesterday or the day before, whether that's because it's a Thursday and that's something different it's hard to say."

Next up Rotorua Boys' are away to Gisborne Boys' High School next Friday.

Tauranga Boys' College coach Dan Goodwin said any game against Rotorua Boys' High School was tough.

"The boys don't need a lot of motivation [for games] between these two schools - it's a massive game for us."

He was proud of his whole team.

"I think our boys can hold their heads up high. But it just goes to show you've got to take your opportunities, and you've also got to pay attention to the details and make sure you don't give them too many opportunities.

"They are a very well coached team and a big side, it's just one of those days."

Tauranga Boys' College's next game is away to New Plymouth Boys' High School on June 17.