Otago Boys’ must have the hardest-working coach in the country.
And the team rewarded him with a 13-6 win over King’s in an Otago Schools Rugby Championship game at Littlebourne on Saturday afternoon.
Bob Sinclair was supposed to coach the side this year, but pulled out about three weeks ago.
Former coach Regan Turoa has taken over the reins.
He is also the coach of the Alhambra-Union premier side.
Saturdays are hectic but he enjoys it. Winning helps.
Otago Boys’ started with a 24-0 loss to Southland Boys’ and a narrow 22-20 win over Waitaki Boys’.
The team has been vulnerable but edged rival King’s in a low-scoring affair.
Otago Boys’ trailed 6-0 at the break, but the match turned its way when right-winger Manaia Lesa scored in the final quarter of the game.
"We lacked a little bit of composure in the strike zone during that first half," Turoa said.
"I believe we dominated parts of the game but just could not quite capitalise."
Otago Boys’ showed improved intent and focus in the second spell and finished strongly.
Lock Eric Peita helped set up the game’s only try with a strong run into the 22m.
The ball was recycled well and Otago Boys’ stayed patient. It used width, and Lesa showed some pace to score in the corner.
Second five Joe Parkinson drilled two late penalties to complete the win and round out a solid game for the midfielder.
Loosehead prop and captain Petelo Amato and Peita stood out in the pack, and fullback Hamish Faulks produced a quality performance.
In the other division 1 games, Southland Boys’ beat St Kevin’s 61-6 in Oamaru, and John McGlashan was too strong for Waitaki Boys’, winning 62-13 to keep its unblemished record this season intact.
In division 2, Mount Aspiring beat Taieri 29-12 in Mosgiel. The match between Wakatipu and Otago Boys’ 2nds was postponed, while Dunstan will host South Otago in Alexandra tomorrow.
