OBs sets out as it means to continue

Doug Smith
Doug Smith
Otago Boys' High School First XV has sent its opponents a warning with a convincing display in its opening Otago premier schools game at Littlebourne on Saturday.

The defending champions swept Dunstan High School 58-0. Dunstan finished fourth last year, so it was quite a statement.

But it is the doughnut in the points-against column that would have pleased Otago Boys' the most.

The home team led 31-0 at halftime in a dominant display.

Its set piece functioned superbly. Levi Turoa grabbed a lot of lineout ball, while fellow locking partner Zhavier Woollett carried strongly.

Openside Oliver Griffen was dynamic at the breakdown and bagged two tries in a busy match.

Dunstan coach Cory Crosbie said his side was lucky to hold on to the ball for more than four or five phases.

But the front row worked hard and fullback Doug Smith covered a lot of ground in defence.

Otago Boys' Second XV also made a promising start to the tournament. It beat St Kevin's College 40-17 in Oamaru.

The visitors were getting plenty of traction close to the ruck. Blindside flanker and captain Ben Hill made some strong carries and nabbed some nice turnovers.

His side led 12-3 at the break and pulled away to win comfortably.

South Otago High School recovered from a 12-point deficit to record a 35-26 win against new entrant Combined Co-Eds, at Kaikorai Valley College.

It trailed 26-14 with 12 minutes remaining but scored three late tries to snatch victory in a tremendous comeback.

Coach Stephen Dent was reluctant to single players out in what he said was "a good solid team effort". But the team was well led by Caiden Davidson, who played in the front row rather than in the loose.

The other three games in the opening round will be played mid-week. Southland Boys' High School is hosting John McGlashan College. The game is doubling as an interschool fixture and shapes as a fascinating encounter. Both teams are expected to make the top four.

Waitaki Boys' High School has a tough assignment against King's High School and Wakatipu High School will make its debut when it hosts Mount Aspiring College.

 

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