First XV rugby: Kelston Boys’ High beat Auckland Grammar for Auckland 1A title

Grammar, the only top-tier First XV in New Zealand with a year-long winning record at the start of the day, were 35 minutes away from completing a rare perfect Auckland 1A season, with 13 wins from 13 outings, when they led 15-10 at halftime.

But then Kelston turned on the style and power with an unanswered 17-point burst in the second spell to trigger party time for their chaotic Keli Block faithful, who had turned up in their thousands, with the Sandringham streets jammed with Nissan Skylines, Ford Falcons with fluffy dice, and panel-beaten Mazda Atenzas.

By contrast, at the other end of the segregated North Stand at fulltime, the Grammar fans looked like something out of the final verse of a Bruce Springsteen song. (His 1980 hit The River concluded by asking: “Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true, or is it something worse?”.)

Ultimately, Auckland Grammar’s dream team of 2026 were beaten by a team of dreamers.

An Instagram post on Friday showed the Kelston First XV sombrely paying their respects midweek to the school’s first-ever All Black, Va’aiga Tuigamala, touching his headstone at the Waikumete Cemetery.

Grammar, oozing their own commendable talent, form and team structure, were outdone by a Kelston team who, having trained since December, simply went up a gear with rousing, inspired rugby.

Kelston assistant team manager Andy Cowan, a community volunteer at the school, best summed up the post-match, pre-party mood pitchside.

“Look at that crowd,” he said.

“That is why we do it. This is all we have got. They are us and there is a real sense of community connection.

“We’ve earned the right to be here and the connection and belief in the team was next-level. We don’t have lots of money, but this is what we do. The boys have faith in each other.”

That sense of belonging is such a key to Kelston’s rugby. They don’t have a boarding facility to ship in talent from around the country.

It was a very watchable final, with the more influential players gradually making their mark.

It may be that in another month or so Grammar forwards Ashton Kirke and Sol Anderson make the New Zealand Schools squad after terrific seasons.

But here the major loose forward plaudits had to go to Kelston’s loosies Benji Wichman and Satali Fretton, because they made a bigger difference.

After an early exchange of penalties, Wichman opened the try scoring in determined fashion in the 12th minute, planting the ball firmly over the line from a ruck with a big left mitt. Wichman was into everything, later nearly nabbing two more tries with his nimble movement.

From the kickoff, Grammar left wing Tyler Byres had scored in the corner and shortly after his team hit the front with a try to Nico Stanley after slick handling from second-five Taye Thomson and halfback Bobby Neels.

Grammar have a track record of finishing strongly this season but on this occasion struggled to get out of their own half in the second spell.

By contrast, Kelston first-five Max Talbot, back from injury (with Jeremiah Toleafoa starting at fullback and taking the early kicks), started running more and finding tell-tale gaps, while also converting an easy penalty.

And Fretton became the game’s dominant figure in the second half, with almost comic-book dominance up the middle, capped by a converted try which took his team to the front, leading 20-15.

You could almost imagine “The Fretton” as a future superhero from the Marvel Universe.

Then came the killer blow as Kelston hooker Zak Schramm scored a try that would have gained a nod of approval from Dane Coles.

Schramm scrammed 25m down the left flank, running like a scalded cat, busting through the Grammar defence, for the try of the day. Schramm also has exceptional ball-handling skills, and it may be that he is capable of featuring elsewhere well beyond the front row.

Lock Maddax Bernard, who had also come on as a replacement in Kelston’s 2024 final win, made his presence felt in an uncompromising defence, while Kelston midfielders Rico Finau and Hinckley Ioka should not be underestimated for their ability to sidestep and willingness to stop opponents doing so.

Finals day was a well-run event by Auckland Rugby, though if there is room for improvement, it is with the Eden Park sound system, which sounded fuzzy, and its matchday application was often ill-judged.

Schoolboy rugby doesn’t need Captain Spank in the DJ booth aurally assaulting spectators with the likes of Rat Scabies and the Deadbeats every time the ball is out of play.

You simply don’t require sonically depressing, harmonically boring audio sewerage for these matches. The crowd create a far more authentic, spontaneous soundtrack and it makes even less sense when try scorers are being announced through the din at the same time.

Meanwhile, Kelston’s 1A title win was also important for the school in a wider educational context.

It was only last year that the Bangerz Education and Wellbeing Trust pushed an unsolicited proposal to convert the state school into a charter school, alleging deep academic and cultural shortcomings.

So it’s worth at least noting the community-school culture at the final whistle here, with Kelston taking time out to sing a waiata for the crowd, which was not only uplifting but possibly set a new cultural benchmark for 1A title celebrations.

They’re not just a rugby school, they’re also a much rarer beast: a singing school.

While these mutual displays of affection at Eden Park won’t go unnoticed, in some respects the Grammar “brand” needed this title more than Kelston’s.

As New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious all-boys state schools, recognised for its rigid adherence to structure and excellence, Grammar place great stock on tradition and achievement.

They hold the historic record for producing the most All Blacks of any school in New Zealand, as well as the most 1A titles.

However, in terms of rugby achievement, Grammar have now been off the radar for more than a decade. So, how frustrating that the Grammar class of 2026 should miss out at the final hurdle.

Still, it’s part of the Grammar paradox that for a school more renowned for its power dynamics and hints of systemic privilege, their First XV was a squad that appealed most for its teamwork and unity. They are a champion team in all but name.

Grammar hold a 34-23 advantage over Kelston in all matches, with five draws. Their 1A record since 2013 is 108 wins, 51 defeats and one draw.

But since 2021, Kelston have a record of 53 wins, 16 defeats and two draws in 70 matches, winning titles in 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2026.

Waiting in the wings now for Kelston are either North Harbour’s Westlake Boys’ High School or Rosmini College. Kelston need to be aware that too often in recent years this has marked the end of the road for Auckland’s best in the battle to make the National Top Four.

North Harbour’s final will be contested on Saturday, with the Blues regional final set for August 29, in North Harbour.

Kelston Boys’ High: George Matthew Hemopo, Zak Schramm, Grayson Pio, Alotutusa Simaika, Maddax Bernard, Nikau Wright, Benji Wichman, Satali Fretton, Flynn Talbot, Max Talbot, Kaian Olsen, Rico Finau, Hinckley Ioka, Noah Hollands, Jeremiah Toleafoa, MJ Selu, Logan Bernard, Pilitati Aveau, Vunivalu Vunivalu, Kiaan Hakaraia, CJ Poutoa, Mervyn Valentine. Coach: Fred Tavita.

The poisoned chalice

Topping the round robin in Auckland 1A, as Grammar did this year, has been a poisoned chalice in recent times.

Kelston have won their past three finals as the lowest-ranked qualifier, a feat Sacred Heart College achieved in 2023 and St Peter’s College in 2018.

St Kentigern College in 2018 and 2023, and St Peter’s in 2022, won all 11 round-robin games – only to lose the final.

The last team to win all 11 round-robin games and then the championship was St Kentigern in 2012. They beat Auckland Grammar 22-7 in the decider, charging on to a National Top Four title with a flawless 20-0 record for the season.

Monster 135kg prop Sione Mafileo captained St Kentigern and scored a try in the 1A final. He later played 93 games for North Harbour and 53 for the Blues.

Meanwhile, Auckland Grammar last won every 1A round-robin fixture and the final in 2004.

Grammar withdrew from National Top Four contention that year to instead tour Japan, where they easily won every game. Their only defeat in 21 season matches was 16-0 to Wellington College, featuring future All Blacks hooker Dane Coles.

The match was scheduled to be played at Westpac Stadium as a curtain-raiser to a Bledisloe Cup test, but was moved to a Wellington College “graveyard” mud heap after torrential rain. Meanwhile, the All Blacks won a dour test 16-7 against Australia with Daniel Carter kicking 11 points and a solitary try scored by Auckland Grammar old boy Doug Howlett.

Last time around

Since the inception of the 1A final in 1996, Grammar have a four-win, six-loss record. Kelston are five-five.

The only previous time they met in the decider was in 1999 when Auckland Grammar won 12-8 in wet conditions at Western Springs. Having beaten Grammar earlier in the season and containing future All Blacks Sione Lauaki, Moses Tuiali’i and Sam Tuitupou, Kelston were favourites.

However, Grammar had a secret weapon: future All Black and fifth former Benson Stanley. Making his first start for the First XV, he made an immediate impact by beating Tuitupou and offloading to flanker Will Rowley, who lost the ball while attempting to score. Grammar was awarded a penalty in front of the posts, and a quick tap led to a try wide out to Andrew Henry, son of Sir Graham Henry. Kelston edged ahead 8-7.

Late in the game, Grammar went down the short side from a lineout, and prop Chad Slade (six tests for Manu Samoa) ran 20m to score in the corner. The following week, the two schools played off for a chance to advance to the National Top Four Final.

That day, Kelston beat Grammar 27-10, with Ray Isara, who later played for Bay of Plenty, scoring two tries. At the National Top Four, Isara kicked a last-minute penalty to win the final for Kelston against Christchurch Boys’ High School, 21-18.

Howick take 1B title

Howick College survived a desperate final play to edge out Ōtāhuhu College 23-22.

In a seesawing contest, Ōtāhuhu levelled through a 56th-minute try, with the conversion putting them in front.

However, within two minutes Howick regained the lead through a penalty and held on for their first 1B title since 2012.

In the 1B semi-finals Ōtāhuhu had beaten last year’s 1B champions, Macleans College, 41-19 while Howick beat Southern Cross Campus 45-20.

Westlake and Rosmini set for a North Harbour showdown

Westlake Boys’ High School and Rosmini College will contest Saturday’s Kyocera-sponsored North Harbour final (midday, North Harbour Stadium) after both recorded 50-point semi-final wins.

Westlake beat Rangitoto College 55-5 despite seldom getting out of second gear in the first half, where the feature was the hard and straight barging runs of barrel-chested hooker Morgan Seymour.

Seymour, Westlake’s player of the day, scored after just three minutes to set the platform, but Rangitoto did well to restrict them to just 12-0 at halftime.

During that first spell Westlake resembled the All Blacks under Scott Robertson – good players, but somehow not completely in sync – and the players to catch the eye were Rangitoto backs Campbell Bibbie, Chase Kirkland and Oscar Faamausili, who were prepared to run everything, and looked good doing so.

It was a different story in the second half as the Westlake backs suddenly found cohesion and ruthless efficiency.

This was exemplified by winger Flynn Holbrook, just too fast down the left, and after Nikau Opuariki scored, the floodgates opened.

Westlake were briefly being interrupted by Rangitoto No 8 Josef Streeter dotting down in the corner and Bibbie making several escapes and long-range line breaks, as he continued to trouble Westlake’s defence with ball in hand.

But explosive Westlake winger Yisrael Tukania came off the bench, scored with his second touch and after five touches had a tally of one try and two assists.

In a candidate for try of the season, centre Matt Fleming combined with Tukania to break through with a back-of-the-hand flip pass, finishing with a showboat Superman-style dive.

Right wing Harper Wilson had two tries, one a run from halfway, while Sami Vai and sub Nic Van der Merwe also scored.

In the other semi-final, top-finishers Rosmini College overwhelmed Whangārei Boys’ High 51-0 after leading 17-0 at halftime. First five-eighths Kayden Godbold, No 8 Luchian Opperman and prop Izack Faonevai led the way with two tries apiece.

Tauranga take home the Moascar Cup

“So good my voice is cracking, e tū whānau,” exclaimed Māori TV commentator Toby Fleming as Chiefs U18 hooker Patelisio Tavake scored his second try for Rotorua Boys’ High School – their fourth in succession.

That gave the now-former national champions a 24-19 lead over Tauranga Boys’ College with 14 minutes left in their Bay of Plenty Secondary School final and Chiefs regional quarter-final for the National Top Four.

There was plenty more to come on what turned out to be a very special day for Tauranga as they rallied to win 31-24 and secure the Moascar Cup and Dick Littlejohn Cup – as well as a Chiefs semi-final versus New Plymouth Boys’ High School at home again on Saturday.

Down 19-0, Rotorua rallied like their great escape in the same fixture a year ago, when they came back from 33-5 down against Hamilton Boys’ High School.

Better was to come for flying Fleming. Enter Tommy “Ethereal” McQuoid. Tauranga Boys’ Chiefs U18 fullback scored a try in every Super 8 game in 2025. This year he scored in five games but not in a narrow 17-15 loss to Rotorua.

In the 63rd minute, McQuoid caught a hurried Rotorua clearance 10m from halfway. With a burst of acceleration and a subtle right foot jink, he skinned three defenders and tried to hurdle the last.

Several others converged as he tumbled and delivered a deft right-handed offload to alert centre Izaiah Rae-Potene, who crossed startled and unopposed. First five-eighths Nathan Theron converted from under the sticks and Tauranga were suddenly back in front 26-24.

Six minutes later, Tauranga secured a defensive scrum in their 22.

Rotorua’s inspirational captain Te Ariki Rogers fiercely snatched a turnover in congestion. After a couple of singular thrusts, an overlap appeared to be developing. However, an errant pass from second five-eighths Tokoaitua Owen bounced on the grass and was snaffled by the Titans.

Audaciously, Theron abandoned the orthodox clearing kick, shifting left to second five-eighths Cohen Saitu. Closed upon by three, Saitu hooked a risky ankle-high offload to a flying Sam Verran who swerved and sprinted to halfway, supporting Saitu carrying on to Rotorua’s 10m mark.

Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards. Skipper and lock Khan “Little Lurch” Charlton recognised this idiom and heaved a pass to McQuoid with time, space and a scattered Raukura.

“One, two, three, four,” Fleming counted as Ethereal galloped to glory.

There was a racehorse by the same name that won the Melbourne Cup in 2001. There was also a bloke called Lance MacDonald, an All Blacks Sevens representative who played 53 games for Bay of Plenty.

His try against Rotorua Boys’ on Nicholson Field in 2004 was thought never to be rivalled; maybe it was.

Tauranga’s best has been frustratingly elusive in 2026. Rollicking wins against New Plymouth Boys’ High School (42-10), Gisborne Boys’ High School (46-26) and Hastings Boys’ High School (42-17) were offset by a tight 29-22 defeat to Super 8 champions Hamilton Boys’ and poor displays against Palmerston North Boys’ High School and Napier Boys’ High School.

Two tries to imposing lock Seremaia Salikikoro, a product of Natabua High School in Nandi that produced Fijian Sevens Olympic gold medallists Meli Derenalagi and Vilimoni Botitu, were the highlight of a polished and vigorous start that rocked a Rotorua side looking fatigued from a brutal schedule, including a Sanix World Youth title in Japan in April and defending the Moascar Cup in all their Super 8 home games.

Rotorua still boast the collective heart and individual potency to threaten. Second five-eighths Taowaru Waititi lit a spark, releasing Chiefs under-18 lock Luke Worsp whose dummy beat McQuoid.

Rogers and Tavake were also essential in the revival that ran out of puff when magic McQuoid cast a spell.

In all matches since both became boys’ schools, Rotorua lead 45 victories to 36 with nine draws.

Tauranga Boys’ College have previously held the Moascar Cup in 1981, 1983, 1989, 1993, 1995, 2022 and 2023.

Meanwhile, in the Super 8 versus Central North Island battle of the champions, Hamilton claimed honours 48-24 over St Paul’s Collegiate and will now host Wesley College on Saturday in the Chiefs semi-final.

Hamilton and St Paul’s are just 4km apart, but this was the first match between their First XVs for three years, so it was unfortunate St Paul’s had loosies Rory Boynton and Josh Kibby out with broken noses.

St Paul’s took an early lead through blindside George Benjamin. But Hamilton racked up three tries before halftime to left wing Liam De Har-Ellott and front-rowers Deon “Fortress” Fifita and Hunter Hammond.

That dominance extended into the second spell with tries to backs Cullen Parai, Carson Hunter and Patience Tuapola.

First five-eighths Jackson Botherway chipped in with 18 points in a match where Hamilton took the field in special edition pink jerseys, which were later auctioned off (jersey No 8 topped all bids, going for $1120), raising close to $10,000 in support of the Cancer Society.

Botherway’s mum Becki has been diagnosed with cancer.

However, after trailing 48-7, St Paul’s made the final scoreline respectable with late tries to left-wing Caleb Blake, centre Hadley Thompson and prop Lucas Hull.

Hastings go from pretenders to contenders

From last in Super 8 to now a National Top Four contender, Hastings Boys’ High School have a chance of an improbable push to a third national title in a decade.

That’s because they were able to overturn a 14-0 deficit to topple Palmerston North Boys’ High 24-19 in a Hurricanes regional quarter-final.

While scoring points hasn’t been an issue for Hastings in 2026, conceding them has been, as shown by their only Super 8 win, 40-36 against seventh-placed Gisborne Boys’ High.

A Hastings heist two hours down the road on Featherston St seemed unlikely after early converted tries by Josh Stevens and Ollie Reid. Stevens profited from forward graft, and captain Reid was set up by Cole Cullen.

Young, raw and enigmatic, Hastings opened their account with a brilliant individual try by winger Jimmy Ratuere, who scored 13 tries, including three hat-tricks in the Super 8.

Hastings coach Jason Shoemark played for Northland with Rupeni Caucaunibuca and Ratuere reminds him of the incomparable Fijian.

“He’s a freak of a kid,” Shoemark enthused. “So relaxed and quiet in that inimitable Fijian way. He’ll be ghosting along, and you’re thinking ‘hurry up’, then he’s gone.”

But the visitors were soon in retreat again, painstakingly defusing four lineout drives over their tryline.

In a cruel twist, Palmerston North had a player yellow-carded for obstruction in the air from the second-half restart. Hastings kicked to the corner from the penalty, and their lineout muscle was more impactful, 14-10.

Hooker or flanker Artorious Honotapu showed why he was selected for the Hawke’s Bay U18s with a bustling display and a try.

Soon Hastings took the lead with a deflected charge-down. It was an opportunist blow delivered by community prefect Carter Ah Kiong, who was selected to represent the New Zealand Warriors as Tiki the mascot in their February Napier trial against Manly Sea Eagles.

Hastings’ fourth try was scored with 15 minutes left by the aptly named Victory Voice to make it 24-14. At that point, Palmerston North were more impatient and inaccurate than before, though they had the last say with a Mac O’Connor try.

“It was our best defensive effort of the year and tackling has been an Achilles heel,” Shoemark admitted.

“We’ve actually done a Du Plessis Kirifi, moving our No 8 Panapa Peia to centre. He had a tit-for-tat with Cayden Pardey. Shutting down Palmy’s midfield was a priority for us. We did that better than the Super 8 match, which we lost 45-35.

“When we were out of finals contention for the Super 8, the boys turned one eye to the Hurricanes playoffs. There is a second opportunity. It’s a young team with only five Year 13s on Saturday, but they’re growing every week.”

Hastings will play Super 8 finalists Napier Boys’, who beat Gisborne Boys’ 34-14. Harry Jones (2), David Hancy, Kaeyos Ewart-Hunga Hunga and Harry Bain scored tries with Will Lovatt kicking three conversions and a penalty. Flynn Morrissey and Paula Halauafu were Gisborne scorers.

Olds fashion comes good for Whanganui

Whanganui Collegiate had their worst Central North Island (CNI) First XV campaign in a decade, with just a solitary win against last-placed St John’s College, Hastings.

Yet that didn’t prevent openside flanker and captain James Olds from winning the Jordie Barrett Medal as the competition’s most valuable player.

The award is named after the incumbent All Blacks second five-eighths out of CNI side Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth. In every CNI match, each team awards MVP points (3, 2, or 1) to the opposition.

Olds won with a tally of 23 points, three points ahead of Lindisfarne College outside back Reid Palmer and St John’s College, Hamilton lock Jay Morris-Rawiri, who both collected consolation medals. Olds’ total points are the highest by any winner since now All Black Tupou Vaa’i at Wesley College in 2017.

“I’d seen I was at the top, so when I got it, I was really quite happy,” Olds said.

“Being my last year, I wanted to step up. It’s been a tough season, but I enjoy competing against tough teams rather than winning games easily. That’s not interesting at all.

“I try to lead through actions rather than words and hope others will follow. Everyone has a role. I do mine and take pressure off others where I can. A coffee or two before the game usually gets me kicking.”

A punishing tackler with a tireless work rate, who is robust and technically adept at contesting the breakdown, Olds carries with vigour and scored tries against Lindisfarne College, Wesley and St John’s College, Hastings (two). He rated 16 points ahead of the next best player in his team, fellow loose forward Seremaia Waqanisau.

“Tries are nice; 100 tackles will get you noticed, too,” Olds observed.

“The toughest guy I marked was Austin Tunnicliffe from Feilding. He’s not big, but quick and skilled, bloody annoying actually.”

Remarkably, Olds missed the St Paul’s Collegiate CNI game after being blue-carded in the third-place playoff at the annual quadrangular tournament against Christ’s College.

“That Christ’s game was the highlight of my three years in the First XV; I didn’t even play,” Olds laughed.

”I went off in the second half. We were down 21-7 with two minutes to go and got a draw with a sideline conversion. That was gutsy.”

Olds wasn’t surprised St Paul’s Collegiate beat St Peter’s Cambridge 44-5 in the CNI final. While St Peter’s had “handy” backs, St Paul’s were “well-drilled from one to 23″.

James’ dad Steve, who owns a butchery and bottles milk, was a handy player. The loose forward played 22 games for Wairarapa Bush between 2003 and 2007.

Eketāhuna, a small rural town at the eastern foot of the Tararua Ranges, 35km north of Masterton and a similar distance south of Palmerston North, is not far from where Sir Brian Lochore farmed. It’s where James grew up with his younger brother and sister – a practical, outdoors-style upbringing.

He moved to Masterton and completed Years 9 and 10 at Rathkeale College. Hungry for different opportunities, Olds was lured to Whanganui Collegiate by former coach, Hawke’s Bay and All Blacks Sevens representative Tafai Ioasa.

He debuted in Year 11, earned a cap for 12 games in 2025, and has now amassed 44 appearances with two fixtures remaining against locals Whanganui High School and, ironically, Rathkeale College.

Olds enjoys economics, statistics, physical education and agriculture. He intends to study a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing at Lincoln University in Canterbury in 2026 while carrying on his rugby.

Nathan Williams is the coach of the Feilding First XV that won CNI in 2025 and beat Whanganui 43-17 in 2026. The egg farmer, who’s friends with James’ dad, paid tribute to the 2026 Jordie Barrett Medal winner.

”James is outstanding, a raw-boned, hearty player who got stuck into everything. He was an obvious leader in a struggling team. What an outstanding achievement to be MVP.

“Feilding have been lucky to win the competition three times in the last five years. We haven’t yet had a Jordie Barrett Medal winner. That says a lot about James’ influence for Whanganui.”

Previous CNI MVP winners (with their post-school teams):

2025: Noah Rogers, Lindisfarne College, 20 (Taranaki/Chiefs)

2024: Izzy Kamana, St Peter’s College, 17 (Tasman)

2023: Mosese Bason, Feilding High School, 15 (Manawatū)

2022: Dylan Homan, St John’s College, Hastings, 21 (Hawke’s Bay)

2021: Konradd Newland, Whanganui Collegiate (Whanganui)

2020: Soni Paletua, St John’s College, Hastings, 15

2019: Sione Osamu, Whanganui Collegiate, 13 (North Otago)

2018: Simione Ofa, Wesley College (Tasman, Manurewa, Two Blues, Sydney)

2017: Tupou Vaai, Wesley College (All Blacks)

Sign of the Rugby: Super Cooper drives Silverstream to imperious premiership treble

An adaptation of the Sign of the Cross, the Catholic hand gesture for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, was the framework St Patrick’s College Silverstream used for their 38-14 crushing of Wellington College in the Tranzit Coachlines Premiership final at a chilly, sodden, windswept Jerry Collins Stadium in Porirua on Sunday.

“In the Sign of the Cross you use your right hand to touch your forehead [Father], your chest [Son], and your left then right shoulders [Holy Spirit],” Silverstream coach John Herbert explained.

“In the Sign of the Rugby, you touch your head to emphasise thinking, your heart to stress repeated effort and your shoulders to hurt the opponent.”

Silverstream followed the method with almost evangelical zeal to capture their 10th premiership, setting school records for points scored and biggest margin in a final. They also achieved their biggest victory against Wellington College since a 46-0 whitewash in 2018.

First five-eighths Fletcher Cooper accomplished the astonishing feat of a “full house”, scoring all four ways with a try, two penalties, two conversions and a drop goal. He has scored 489 points in two seasons.

Given Wellington were unblemished in the round robin, such an emphatic win might surprise. It shouldn’t. The lowest-ranked qualifier has won 10 times since 2010.

Silverstream have made every Premiership final since 2017, winning 95 of 108 premiership games in the last decade, including the finals of 2017, 2018, 2021 (shared), 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026. For good measure, the school also won all four lower grade finals they contested on Saturday.

Herbert has won 10 and drawn one of the 12 finals he’s been involved with across all grades at Silverstream in a decorated decade.

“It was a special performance from the boys today,” Herbert said. ”I was so impressed with how they managed the wind. They were clinical and composed.

“Wellington had the kicking game, lineout prowess, and experience to be the great challenge they always are. I would have been happy to be down 10 at halftime against the wind. Fortunately, we were ahead by three.”

Though Wellington scored two first-half tries to props Harry “Bam Bam” Baddington and Julius “Caesar” Toimata with just two 22 entries, they failed to utilise the overbearing southerly at their backs.

First five-eighths Joe Barry, a proficient kicker, barely kicked. Wellington, struck down by a serious bout of flu beforehand, were understandably listless, with even third-year flankers Lafione Kamoto and Z’kdeus Schwalger honourable but hampered.

Silverstream made a sizzling start when left wing Troy Waldrom flew through to score in his corner in the first minute after an assist by hulking tighthead Vaitupu Vaitupu that resembled the careful handling of a China plate. Cooper’s conversion floated backwards, hinting at the wind’s intensity.

In the 16th minute, Cooper speared on to a short pass in general play by openside Isaac Sanele. A fend on Connar Gregor nullified “Notorious” as Fletcher dashed 40m to the northwest corner to make it 10-7.

The elements could humble even the mighty. A Cooper skip pass deep inside his 22 eventually skipped halfway down Mungavin Ave. Wellington capitalised on the rare blemish.

Patient, mistake-free, assertive phases eventually saw Cooper fire a short, flat bullet to centre Shae Taitua, who crossed under the posts. Silverstream turned with a 17-14 advantage. Virile lock Bronson Martin and plough-truck No 8 Val Tufi were hell-bent on creating havoc.

Struggling into the sick southerly was death by a thousand cuts for Wellington. Ten minutes of penalty-interrupted resistance saw replacement forward Isaac Davey-Tiotio sin-binned, then Vaitupu Vaitupu bash through.

This was quickly followed by wiry lock Bezalel Fereti securing a breakdown penalty and Cooper kicking a lengthy penalty that extended the lead to 27-13.

Fereti’s dad, Fred, is an assistant coach, with Karl Davis, whose son William captained Silverstream’s 2025 winning team and won a Jubilee Cup with Petone in July. Bezalel’s mum is Wellington’s most capped female player and Black Fern Jackie Patea Fereti.

The knockout blow happened in the 54th minute. From a scrum 60m out, Cooper chipped teasingly towards Cooper Werkhoven. The fullback tried to trap the skidding ball with his right heel, but instead it ricocheted to Taitua.

Cooper booted a 50-22 and hit the goal-line corner flag with another raking punt to force a Wellington lineout 5m shy of the paint. The drop goal ensured Silverstream’s 35-14 scoreline in the 2025 final was improved; it was his second against Wellington, the first winning the Ken Gray Memorial Cup 16-15 earlier that year.

Job 38:14: “The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its features stand out like those of a garment”

Silverstream travel to Hastings to joust with Lindisfarne College in their Hurricanes regional semi-final.

STAC light up: Powerful St Andrew’s College take the crown

TTC (Take the Crown) was the mantra that underpinned a 33-17 victory by St Andrew’s College (STAC) over reigning champions Christchurch Boys’ High School in the Miles Toyota Premiership final at sodden Straven Rd.

More than annoyed at being excluded from the inaugural South Island Boys School Network (SIBSN) competition that Christchurch won, the private, co-ed school channelled their frustration to prove they belong with the big boys by beating them all.

And while an SIBSN spot remains unlikely, the established boys’ schools can’t avoid St Andrew’s any time soon.

That’s because St Andrew’s, coached by double Rugby World Cup winner and All Blacks centurion Owen Franks and English international Willie Heinz, are bloody good.

Big, brave and balanced, St Andrew’s won seven consecutive matches to secure the silverware for the first time since 2020. Captain and second five-eighths Seymour Stowers Smith offered a succinct appraisal.

“Feels great,” he said. “We got sixth last year; didn’t like that, worked our arses off.”

Christchurch captain Jonty Leary scored the first try in the 13th minute of the final, but making headway into the beefy breeze was an attritional slog.

Stowers-Smith manufactured a 16th-minute try for Lachie Smith. Nine minutes later, Ollie Kirk, also a First XI hockey player, profited after bruising carries from front rowers Moleli Lagokamu, Henry Tayler and Lennox Kopelani.

Two penalties and a conversion to winger Jett Timbrell put St Andrew’s ahead 18-5 at halftime. But was it enough?

Initially it didn’t look like it. A second try to Leary four minutes upon the resumption shrunk the deficit to 18-10, and when Christchurch were held up over the goal line moments later, the pressure was relentless.

A mistake from the dropout was a pendulum swinger. A sweeping 80m attack should have ended with a try except for a spillage by steadfast centre Tom McIntosh.

Kirk and halfback Ollie Jackways managed the weather and tactics better than their opposites Harrison Staunton and Freddy Davis.

In the 48th minute, sustained pick-and-goes saw St Andrew’s lock Mac Greer wriggle in for a try, 23-10.

St Andrew’s gained impetus from their bench. On the hour mark, colossal Caleb Collins was enveloped by a handful but placed his knee and the ball simultaneously on the ground. He sprang up again and motored ahead Fred Flintstone-style, untouched. It was a superb example of nous and dexterity.

Christchurch’s season ends with 12 wins in 15 matches. Leary, hooker Max Carr and No 8 Liam Newfield refused to yield.

Christchurch had also previously lost premiership finals to Nelson College 20-17 in 2024 and 35-31 in 2019, St Andrew’s 35-26 in 2020, and St Bede’s 27-12 in 2010. They also surrendered the Trustbank Cup to St Andrew’s, who last held it in 2022 when they tamed Timaru Boys by 33-17.

Coach Peter Chaplin rued that while opportunities were created, mistakes were too plentiful.

Mike “Scrump” Johnston, a New Zealand Over 70s cricket representative, has managed St Andrew’s for 27 years. From putting in and removing flags to monitoring the scoreboard and organising registrations, uniforms and transport for players, he does all the unsung tasks essential to success.

“This victory is more special than 2020 for me personally,” Johnson said.

“The last time we won at Christchurch Boys’ was in 2008 and even then we had to wait until the last minute. Telusa Veainu was our star player and captain. We had a scrum where, to Christchurch, it looked like Veainu was going to receive it. Instead, he ran a decoy and our fullback Ben Bellamy scored. We hadn’t won there since.

“It’s a rivalry that’s been going for 100 years, as has St Bede’s. To beat them both on their home grounds in a semi and a final is unprecedented.

“Owen Franks and Willie Heinz, ironically with Christchurch last year, have formed a great connection with the boys. They’ve had much success but engage in a thoughtful, relevant way and work bloody hard.

“Our pipe band is away at the World Champs in Scotland. They finished third, which meant we had to request pipers. We had people travel for hours to get to the game and strategically place themselves in parts of the crowd where we needed support. TTC.”

St Andrew’s largest victory against Christchurch Boys’ was 42-10 in 1990. Future All Black Andrew Mehrtens played first five-eighths. Coached by Andrew Tweedie and Simon Anderson, and captained by Nicholas Anderson (46 games, New Zealand Schools), St Andrew’s only lost three of 20 games in 1990.

Awesome foursome for Southland

Southland Boys’ High School saved their best until last in their resounding 49-17 victory over King’s High School in the Southern Schools Rugby Championship final.

A counter-attack from deep inside their 22 saw winger Charlie Byrne released in space near the right touchline. With the defence converging and space narrow, Charlie burned two lunging defenders and scored euphorically.

He was mobbed by the Blue Army, the bare-chested lads resembling Smurfs, enjoying sunny and clear conditions that could be called balmy for this time of year at Les George Oval.

For most of the match, Southland ran hot, especially in the opening 11 minutes, surging to a 21-0 lead. Fullback Jack “King of Herbert St” Brock charged like a V8 throughout and was faultless with all seven conversions.

His first break from 22 to 22 punished a weak clearance by the visitors. The ball was recycled on the left edge before second five-eighths Finn Hurley cross-kicked to Byrne in the right corner.

Earlier in the season, Byrne scored a hat-trick against King’s. It was opposite winger Will Garrick who claimed that honour in the final. Centre Max Savoury delivered the last pass in three long-range tries, twice for Garrick, whose third was set up by hooker Simpson Stevenson and blissful Brook.

King’s were hearty, extracting several scrum penalties. Props Semisi Fakataha and Huib Broek were gallant while hooker Bodhi Clarkson rubbed in from a tried and tested lineout drive.

Down 35-10, replacement bookend Ofa Kilikiti was unstoppable after a 50-22 put the tourists in close range. Lafa “Profile Pic” Tofiga kicked all three goals and kept the defence on alert.

Southland’s forwards were sufficient rather than superlative. Captain and openside Ben Cairns was typically industrious while the less enthralling tries were scored by lock Jack McKeay and loosehead Mito Faalialia.

Southland have won 14 consecutive matches and will seek their 12th National Top Four appearance and first successive trips to the big dance since 2017 when they travel to Christchurch to tackle St Andrew’s in the South Island final. St Andrew’s made the last of their two National Top Four appearances in 1991.

Southland have also won a quartet of Southern Schools Rugby Championships and 35 competition games in a row.

From 2011 to 2014, Otago Boys’ had 54 wins on the bounce. By contrast, the longest win streak in Canterbury’s Miles Toyota Championship, starting in 2001, was 42 by Christchurch Boys’ between 2003 and 2006.

They also won 27 matches on the trot from 2001 to 2003. St Bede’s won 30 in a row from 2008 to 2010 and 28 between 2010 and 2012. Nelson College’s best run during their four titles from 2019 to 2024 was 18 in a row.

The No 10 who got away

Our feature on the best First XV first five-eighths prompted reader Hone Pohatu to reflect on how St Peter’s superb No 10 last year, Malakai Hafoka, has slipped through the net from a Blues perspective.

Pohautu pointed out Hafoka was only 17, but earlier this year signed with Lyon Rugby Club in France and will feature in the Espoirs competition after playing for Spain in the U18 Six Nations competition, as well as the Spanish team in the U20 World Cup.

He kicked a penalty from nearly halfway in the Spanish U18 win over Wales.

Malakai is the son of Simon Hafoka, a former Tongan international who spent much of his playing career in Spain, where he met his wife. He was born in Santander during his father’s stint there.

With his long-range goalkicking and impressive game management for someone so young, pundits reckon Spain may have secured a long-term playmaker for the next decade.

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