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Captain Eli Hallam raises the Murray Jones shield.
Ty Connolly charged through Orewa’s ranks.
Ian Thysse took advantage of the situation.
Mahurangi College’s 1st XV made history this month by taking the Murray Jones Shield off rivals Orewa College for the first time in nine years.
The side was literally a different team to what this reporter saw in the first weeks of the season. This time, they were a disciplined and relentless force.
There were moments where the boys holding the ball were being picked up and carried, rather than the ball itself.
Both teams knew what was on the line and immediately brought the necessary intensity onto the field.
Each scored a try within the first 10 minutes of the game.
But Mahurangi College was able to convert that first try, whereas Orewa faltered.
Mahu scored another try 20 minutes in, although this time it was not converted.
The boys continued consistently to push the game towards Orewa’s 22-metre line, but often found the referee a barrier. Orewa was awarded a penalty kick, which they successfully converted into three points.
The score at half time was 12-8 in Mahu’s favour, and the home crowd was really starting to buzz with anticipation.
Mahurangi’s resolve was clearly strengthening. They quickly scored another try and successfully converted at the start of the second half.
Orewa must have been getting desperate because they conceded two penalty kicks which Mahu gratefully turned into points.
Mahurangi College principal David Macleod put it best: “Tries are exciting but points are what keeps me happy.”
Orewa gave it a final push and successfully earned a try. However, blustery winds blew their conversion kick right off course and it never even made the goal line. Final score: 25-13.
New coach Ruan Prins said the win meant a lot to the team, after having come within a few points of winning the shield in the last few years.
The win against Orewa was a big morale booster for Mahurangi after being beaten both by Massey (27-20) and in their first Murray Jones Shield match.
“The boys didn’t know what they were capable of yet. Now they know what is possible when they work hard,” Prins said.
He said the team showed good communication and leadership in the match, and he believed things were looking positive for the season ahead.
The shield is now officially Mahu’s for the rest of the season, as it is not contested between the colleges in semi-final and final matches.
