BRAYDEN LINDSAY AND STU PIDDINGTON

Two tries in four minutes broke the back of Timaru Boys' High and propelled Christ's College to a 43-23 victory.

It was just 17-13 at the change of ends but a charge down try off the restart and a chip and chase try minutes later pushed Christ's College clear.

The match was a Crusaders Secondary Schools encounter that both sides wanted to win.

Timaru Boys' High School raced out of the blocks quickly with a penalty to Monty Nixon, before first-five Ryan Greenslade slipped through a tackle to dot down on the back of a superb midfield surge by Brad Cvitanich.

Christ's responded with a penalty to Reilly Cormack and a try to winger Jayden Beckett to sneak ahead 10-8.

Fifteen phases later following a Cullen Grace break, Timaru Boys' were in again through stand out openside flanker Kaleb Wheeler.

Cormack scored and converted from wide out on the stroke of halftime to put Christ's ahead 17-13.

Christ's first-five Nic Murray scored from a charge down off the kick off and big second five Dallas McLeod outsprinted Troy Edwards to secure the bonus point try for the visitors.

Two more tries to winger Isaiah Punivai saw the match sealed but Timaru Boys' never gave up and to their credit picked up a much deserved bonus point, with late tries to Shane Fikken and Wheeler.

Wheeler, Grace and Nixon were the best for Timaru Boys', while Cvitanich was strong with ball in hand.

Former Roncalli player Cormack was outstanding for Christ's missing just one goal and nailing five impressive efforts from the sideline. He also contributed 18 points.

Punivai and McLeod ran strongly, while loose forwards Matt McKellar and Kale Thatcher popped up all over the park.

Meanwhile, Roncalli College put in a below-par performance against Rangiora High School, going down 24-3 in Timaru.

Rangiora was one of the games Roncalli would have targeted for a win but basic mistakes, lack of ball and a 12 to two penalty count against them in the first half had them struggling.

Down 17-3 at the break Roncalli put in a better second half but again failed to take their opportunities, while Rangiora lock Angus Fletcher scored the only try of the second half.

For Rangiora, prop Doom Ponino was outstanding with some strong runs and he also scored both first half tries, while No.8 Fletcher Newell also had a very good game.

First five Luke Gold controlled things well, while fullback Kalani Whitehouse showed his pace down the flanks.

For Roncalli first five Patrick Brosnahan made an excellent try saving tackle when he got under a charging Newell, to keep his side in the game.

Hooker Adam Hamel worked hard at the breakdowns, while prop Alvereti Vereivalu made a couple of storming runs but the support was lacking to take real advantage.

Next weekend sees Timaru Boys' High School host Burnside High School, while Roncalli College will be looking for a win when they face fellow competition strugglers Lincoln High School.

Meanwhile, Nelson College, who won the Moascar Cup off Timaru Boys' retained it with a 25-14 win over St Andrews College.

AT A GLANCE

Christ's College 43 ( Reilly Cormack, Dallas McLeod, Nic Murray, Jayden Beckett, Isaiah Punivai 2 tries, Cormack 5 con, pen) Timaru Boys' 23 (Kaleb Wheeler 2, Shane Fikken, Ryan Greenslade tries; Monty Nixon pen) HT 17-13.

Rangiora 24 (Doom Ponino 2, Angus Fletcher try, Kalani Whitehouse pen,  2 con, Jack Marshall con)  Roncalli 3 (Tayla Meager pen) HT 17-3.