Rugby: Stratford-Eltham see past Old Boys in upset win

Photo by PIXL

Stratford-Eltham coach Simon Childs credited a strong defensive effort for his side’s upset win over New Plymouth Old Boys, saying it laid the platform for everything that followed.

The defending champions beat Old Boys 31-10 at Vogeltown Park on Saturday to secure their second straight win and climb into sixth.

The result came against an Old Boys side that had won four consecutive matches after their opening-round loss to Clifton.

Despite the defeat, Old Boys remained second on the ladder.

The win was Stratford-Eltham’s first against Old Boys since the second round of the 2024 season.

“I was really pleased with our defensive effort. Our attack flowed off the back of that, which was great to see,” Childs said.

Stratford-Eltham controlled the first half, keeping Old Boys out of their 22 for long periods and denying two chances, including holding up captain Rowan Slater to lead 19-3 at halftime.

Hooker Harry Hansen scored twice in the opening spell as part of a five-try performance, with three coming in the second half.

Old Boys loose forward Walter Cole scored late.

Childs said he was pleased to see his side use the ball and created opportunities for their backs, including a second half try to Vereniki Tikisolomone.

He said younger players were continuing to improve, helped by the return of experienced players such as Scott Jury.

“Getting some experienced players back added real physicality across the park, along with leadership and direction on the field.”

Kini Naholo continued his strong return to club rugby, scoring four tries in Clifton’s 57-24 win over Tukapa at Sanders Park.

The Hurricanes winger started the match after coming off the bench last week and was influential throughout, helping Clifton remain unbeaten.

He scored once in the first half and added three more after the break.

Clifton made a fast start, with fellow winger Indiha SaoTui-Huta crossing inside the opening 40 seconds from a kick-chase.

That set up an early advantage, with the visitors leading 21-0 after 15 minutes.

They went on to score nine tries to Tukapa’s four.

Tukapa prop Luke Dravtizki marked his 100th match by scoring his side’s first try.

At Rahotu, Coastal bounced back from the previous week’s loss to Old Boys with a 53-38 win over United.

Coastal led 40-14 at halftime and maintained that advantage despite a better second-half effort from United.

Ben Dufficy and Olly Lawson both scored two tries for Coastal, while United’s Kyle Corrigan also scored twice.

In the remaining match, Inglewood recorded their second win of the season, beating Southern 28-24 at Hicks Park.

Both teams scored four tries, including two to Southern’s Benny Katene and Inglewood’s Jamie Viljeon.

But it was the boot of Viljoen, which proved the difference as he kicked two extra conversions.

In the women’s competition, Stratford-Eltham beat Patea 76-7, while Southern beat Inglewood 95-5.

Saturday sees Inglewood host Old Boys at TET Stadium, United play Tukapa at Stadium Taranaki, Clifton face Southern at Tikorangi, and Stratford-Eltham host Coastal at Victoria Park.

The points table after six weeks; Clifton 30, NPOB 20, Tukapa 18, Coastal 15, Inglewood 13, Stratford-Eltham 13, Southern 11, United 10.