Timaru Boys’ High School First XV are back with the big boys after gaining automatic promotion to the ‘‘premiership’’ by beating Roncalli Aoraki Combined in the ‘‘championship’’ final at Fraser Park on Saturday.
Timaru Boys’ High were relegated from the top tier in 2024 but bounced back with a 50-29 victory during an entertaining local derby, in front of a big crowd.
Roncalli Aoraki Combined and Timaru Boys’ High were both unbeaten going into the final, having drawn 17-all in the round robin, knowing a win would gain automatic promotion to the top tier.
Timaru Boys’ High will swap places with Rangiora High School who have been relegated after a year in the top competition without a win.
On Saturday, the Timaru Boys’ High pack paved the way for the win, outscoring Roncalli Aoraki Combined eight tries to four, having led 26-15 at halftime.
Most of the tries were from close range as they wore down Roncalli Aoraki Combined’s goal-line defence.
A deliberate knock down cost Roncalli Aoraki Combined dearly late in the first half when the officials decided not only a yellow card was warranted but somewhat surprisingly a penalty try which gave Timaru Boys’ High a 16-point lead.
With time almost up in the first half Roncalli No 8 Blake Gordon’s quick tap penalty, however, caught Timaru Boys’ High napping and he scored.
In the second half, Timaru Boys’ were never in danger as they kept the scoreboard ticking over but Roncalli Aoraki Combined showed plenty of courage not to let the game get away from them, with replacement hooker Lachlan Cater scoring the final try when he broke from a ruck.
Timaru Boys High School’s No 8 Marko Leleifua and tighthead prop Sione Maile were outstanding, while Australian import Zy Woodman impressed with some hard running at second five and was rewarded with two tries.
For Roncalli Aoraki Combined Gordon was excellent, showing great skills and strong running, and he also scored twice.
Hooker Rua Taupo also played very well and got through a ton of tackles, while lock James Fennessy worked hard in the tight.
Top seeds Christchurch Boys’ High thrashed sixth seed Christ’s College 52-0 in the rainsoaked premiership final.
Christ’s College had upset second seeds Marlborough 36-34 in their prelim final.
Exactly what competition Timaru Boys’ High will play in next year is up in the air, with some all boys’ schools touting a new South Island Boys’ High Schools First XV rugby competition.
After initially gaining support from the 13 eligible schools, Christchurch Boys’ High School and Waitaki Boys’ High School have opted out of a boys’ schools-only competition.
