1st XV rugby: Auckland 1A final - King's College beat St Kentigern College

Aidan Morgan of King's College. Photo / Photosport

King's College have held off a late charge from St Kentigern College to claim a 29-22 win in a barn burner in the Auckland 1A final at Eden Park.

King's looked unstoppable in the first half, flying out to a 29-5 lead at halftime thanks to superb running rugby, quick recycling of the football and some sparkling individual performances.

A big break from King's first-five Aidan Morgan got them to within five metres, before he eventually finished it off himself after weaving through a couple of defenders for the first try of the match.

The nimble No 10 has been the star for King's this season and has drawn comparisons to All Black Damian McKenzie.

The second half, on the other hand, was a completely different story as St Kents threatened to produce a stunning comeback – led by their ferocious forwards.

Three tries got St Kents to within seven points in the tense final few minutes.

But it was always going to be a tall task for St Kents, who are missing several new-to-school players after their recruitment controversy earlier this year.

And after camping in King's 22 for a while, they couldn't quite get over the line and fell short of what would've been a miracle comeback.

King's captain Leandro Vakatini was delighted with his side's performance to turn around a heartbreaking loss last year.

"It's awesome to be in front of the home crowd just hearing a different sound to last year," Vakatini said. "Proud of the boys. We put a lot of effort this year."

Auckland 1A final as it happened: