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The Open C Grade final was hotly contested between Whangaparaoa and Westlake. Captain Seamus Kelly, left, and vice captain Corban Smith display the cup to a raucous crowd of supporters. Photos, Sam Bernard
Whangaparaoa College’s First XV is celebrating its best result in the school’s history, winning North Harbour Rugby’s Open C grade.
The team beat Westlake in the final at QBE Stadium in Albany on August 31 in front of a large crowd.
Teacher in charge of rugby, and forwards coach, Jason Brajkovic, says after losing last year’s Open C final to Long Bay, the First XV was determined to go one better.
“Coming off a heavy defeat two weeks earlier, and a tough home semi against Northcote College, the team was well prepared and determined heading into the final,” he says.
The tactics were to use the wind advantage in the first half through the smart kicking of First 5 Notana Snowden, contest the breakdown and build a lead.
This worked well for Whangaparaoa, which was ahead 17-5 at half time.
The second half saw both teams make the most of their opportunities, with Westlake scoring twice in quick succession to narrow the gap and unsettle the nerves of the Whangaparaoa bench.
However, after the teams traded possession and territory for most of the second half, Whangaparaoa came away with a 27-17 victory.
Jason says the win gives the First XV the choice of promotion to Open B grade, but the college has elected to stay in Open C because of a limited player base coming through.
“The college is extremely proud of the boys commitment and the dedication they have shown – it was a well deserved victory,” he says.
