Bragging rights to New Plymouth in traditional
Wednesday, May 12 2021
Will Johnston
Photo: LDV Photography
New Plymouth Boys’ High School’s record keeps getting better against Francis Douglas Memorial College.
The high school beat its foes 20-12 in the 26th traditional 1st XV match at the Gully this afternoon. Not only did New Plymouth win its seventh consecutive match against Francis Douglas, to retain the Carroll-George Trophy, it booked a spot in the national knock-out competition.
The win was all thanks to a second half effort. New Plymouth were down 5-0 at the break and stormed back to score 20 unanswered second half points.
With no wind at ground level, New Plymouth’s impact off the bench was vital in the victory, played in front of over 2000 people.
But it was Francis Douglas’ first-five eight Blake Christie who opened the account in the match. He intercepted a pass and ran over 50 meters to score near the posts. He failed to convert his own try after he missed an earlier penalty.
It was the only points Francis Douglas could score until the end of the game but showed dominance throughout the first half.
Overall, it was a sloppy first 35 minutes with both teams making several errors.
There was plenty of feeling in the game. Francis Douglas prop Taiora Ki Onaera Cameron was shown a yellow card after a shoulder charge on New Plymouth’s Callum Tito just before the break.
The fracas took some time to simmer before the officials calmed everyone down.
While Cameron was in the bin, New Plymouth struck back to level the scored just after the break.
Strong baller runner and No.8 Che Potaka scored in the corner. Tito missed the conversion before New Plymouth made its way down the other end of the field after a Christie restart didn’t go 10meters.
New Plymouth had a spring in its step.
This time elusive midfielder Samuela Vakadula sliced through the defence and reached to score. While Tito failed to convert, the home team had a 10-5 lead.
Halfback Topia Barrowcliffe slotted a penalty kick before replacement Siri Rova scored in the corner.
Barrowcliffe was able to convert to give New Plymouth a healthy 20-5 lead.
Francis Douglas closed the margin on the stroke of full time. After two attempts flanker Kade Saxton scored and Christie added the extras.
New Plymouth play Auckland Grammar next week, while Francis Douglas host Fielding High School on Saturday.
Other codes results to come.
New Plymouth 20 (C. Potaka, S. Vakadula, S. Rova tries; T. Barrowcliffe pen, con).
Francis Douglas 12 (B. Christie, K, Saxton tries; B. Christie con)
HT: 0-5