National Secondary Schools Tournament Finalists Found

National Secondary Schools Tournament Finalists Found

Auckland, September 5 2013 – Semi finals day is always a big one and this year was no different with the top four finishers in the pool rounds of the Premiership grade coming into their semi finals with three wins each a piece.

In the Developing Pool, it was the out of town schools who featured with Rotorua Boys playing Whangarei Boys in one semi while local school James Cook High faced visiting St Thomas of Canterbury in the other. Rotorua got out to a strong start scoring three tries in quick succession before Whangarei bravely fought their way back scoring one of their own, but in the end it was Rotorua who made their way into their Developing Grade final unbeaten (32-10).

The first of the Premiership finals was an exciting match with St Paul’s leading 12 – 0 early in the first half and 12-6 at half time. After the break Mt Albert turned into the wind and making the most of their opportunities they scored three tries, winning 16 – 12. This will be Mt Albert’s first visit to the Premier final.

Thanks to a broken pipe and a small flood on Field One, the second major semi final between Otahuhu and Kelston was moved to Field Four and the start delayed. An exciting golden point game between James Cook High School 28 and St Thomas of Canterbury 32 on that field delayed the start even further but gave the large crowd another exciting finish.

Once the second semi final kicked off Kelston Boys showed they meant business, scoring first and taking the lead at half time 12 - 4. In the second half it evened up a little more, with consecutive penalties conceded by Kelston allowing Otahuhu back into the game, but Kelston hung on to win 18 – 14. It's ten years since Kelston were winners of this tournament back in 2003.

The finals draw has been posted on our website here http://www.nzrl.co.nz/national-secondary-schools/2013-draw/2013-finals.aspx.

Later tonight all the schools will head to the East Stand of Mt Smart Stadium for an awards evening before the finals tomorrow, again at Bruce Pulman Park.

Thursday September 5, 2013
Semi Finals

ENDS

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