Rugby: 10-year drought for Francis Douglas in exchange

Wednesday, May 15 2024

Rugby: 10-year drought for Francis Douglas in exchange

Will Johnston

New Plymouth Boys High School’s 1st XV has maintained a stronghold against Francis Douglas Memorial College which has extended out to a decade.

Wednesday afternoon’s annual exchange saw New Plymouth run away with a 27-7 win at the College, the tenth consecutive victory.

New Plymouth also retained the Max Carroll-John George Trophy, while the match doubled as a regional knockout game.

It was in 2014 where Francis Douglas last claimed bragging rights when they won 20-17 at Yarrow Stadium. The team featured current Hurricanes Jordie Barrett and Du’Plessis Kirifi.

After a fierce haka, which saw both teams in each other’s faces at halfway, it was New Plymouth who had the dominance from the get-go in the latest contest.

It was clear New Plymouth was the more physical side with their defence and accuracy at the tackle a standout.

They pounced on Francis Douglas’ mistakes, which led to the first two New Plymouth tries. They were converted by Harry Fevre, son of former Taranaki halfback Craig, to give the visitors a 14-0 lead.

Francis Douglas enjoyed brief moments inside New Plymouth’s half. But because of being isolated at the tackle, New Plymouth were able to steal the ball to play back down the other end.

Fevre kicked a penalty immediately after halftime to give New Plymouth a 17-0 lead.

Vili Rova scored his second as the Francis Douglas defence became bunched after New Plymouth spun the ball out wide. Fevre couldn’t add the extras from the sideline, but it looked like New Plymouth had the game sealed.

Francis Douglas scored down the left flank after a hole opened up for hooker Hawaiki Manutai. An excellent sideline conversion was kicked by Jerram Sinclair.

Adding to the match, scrums went uncontested, taking away an attacking option for New Plymouth.

A Francis Douglas error led to New Plymouth’s final try.

New Plymouth also won the 2nd XV match 50-0, U15 rugby 43-7 but Francis Douglas won the Year 9 Boarders Cup rugby 26-17.

In other codes, New Plymouth won the football 3-0, hockey 5-2 and basketball 94-87. Francis Douglas won back-to-back squash matches 3-2.