After three consecutive finals losses to Westlake Boys High School, it was fourth time lucky for the Mahurangi College First XV team in the North Harbour 1B Championship.
Mahurangi downed their arch rivals 48-8 at QBE Stadium Oval 2 on August 25 after heading into the final unbeaten this season.
Co-captain Kade Banks led the team with a standout performance, scoring five of the team’s six tries.
Assistant coach Jon Blyth says there was a confidence in the side this year that carried them to victory.
“We had a number of players in this team that had lost two or more finals. They weren’t prepared to let that happen again,” Blyth says.
“I think it was the experience that some of the older guys had that set us apart from previous years.”
Blyth was particularly pleased with performances from Pale Vaotangi, Toby Swann-McKay and Banks.
“Kade was just outstanding, running in five tries from first-five and staying completely calm during the whole event.”
Swann-McKay also finished his final First XV season as the school’s most capped player ever, with 53 matches under his belt.
Blyth says although the final score blew out, Westlake still proved to be a difficult opposition.
“We went in at half time with a 24-3 lead, but we didn’t feel comfortable at that stage, knowing we were facing the wind in the second half.
“We scored a try just after half time, and that was a pivotal moment in the match.”
Blyth and head coach Terrence Banks have worked with the First XV for two years together and are unsure of their futures with the side.
“The school’s rugby management will need to make a decision on whether the First XV should move into the 1A Championship or remain in this competition,” Blyth says.
“Eight current players will leave at the end of this year, but there is a lot of talent coming through for future seasons, and I think rugby at the college is in a really good position.”
He also noted Charmaine Gravatt and Mike Rodden as important in the team’s success as First XV managers this year.
Co-captains Kade Banks, left, and Toby Swann-McKay finally lift the trophy that eluded them for three years. Photos, Mitchell Sterling
