Stratford High School defended its title to come out on top for the third year in a row at the annual Jack Porter Rugby tournament.
Heading to Palmerston North for a neutral venue, Stratford High School took on Central Hawkes Bay College in the hopes of bringing home the trophy again.
Coach Neil Bailey says the squad of 22 players and as many supporters were all looking forward to the first big game of the season.
"With only six players from last year having experienced first XV rugby there was a very nervous changing room".
Neil says as the team headed on to the field for warm up, "a fired up Central Hawkes Bay team ripping into a pre tackle session rattled a few more nerves"