By Stu Piddington

Timaru Boys' High School First XV recorded their third victory in a row over their Waitaki counterparts with a 12-0 win in slippery conditions to retain the Sel O'Neill Shield.

The Timaru-Waitaki exchange, at Alpine Energy Stadium on Wednesday, is in its 135th year and is the longest uninterrupted inter-school rugby duel in New Zealand.

Despite Timaru Boys' High's win, Waitaki still hold the overall advantage with 68 wins to TBHS's 57, with 10 draws.

DOUG FIELD

Timaru Boys' High School supporters at the game, the longest-running uninterrupted inter-school rugby duel in New Zealand.

In Wednesday's game Waitaki dominated a large amount of possession and territory in the first half but twice TBHS broke out and scored tries.

READ MORE:* TBHS face Waitaki for 134th time* Timaru outclass Waitaki by record score

TBHS chose to start all their Year 13 players ahead of the form XV and struggled with continuity but fortunately Waitaki could not finish off their opportunities as their hands let them down.

DOUG FIELD

Timaru Boys' High School captain Shane Fikken ahead of his team's match against Waitaki Boys' High School at Alpine Energy Stadium on Wednesday.

Midway through the half TBHS's hard running second five Taniela Wacokecoke broke free and set centre Joel Hill away to score against the run of play. Fullback Liam Blakemore slotted a very good conversion to make it 7-0.

Then just before the break with TBHS hot on attack, openside George Brown dummied close to the line and went over to complete the scoring.

Waitaki had a long range penalty attempt just before the break but first five Brydon Skinner's attempt fell short.

The second half turned into an arm wrestle in the wet conditions but Waitaki again didn't take their opportunities with a try being called back for a forward pass and an excellent drive being held up over the line.

However, Waitaki fullback Ben Paton did save his side on one occasion with an outstanding cover tackle but in the end TBHS deserved their victory.

TBHS prop and captain Shane Fikken also tried to write his name in the record books when he tried a drop goal very late in the game to the cheers of the crowd but it didn't threaten the posts.

Fikken was one of the most consistent players all year and had an outstanding season. His side finished with four wins on the trot after an indifferent start to the season.

First five Ryan Greenslade impressed in the wet conditions with some very good tactical kicking while wing John Vasuakuta looked dangerous with the ball he got. George Guerin also made an impression at fullback when he came on in the second half.

Blind side Will Pudney was the best of the pack with several strong carries and bust Waitaki wide open on one occasion. Hooker Ben Sands also had his usual busy day while lock Blake Tippet got stuck in.

Waitaki captain Skinner played very well at first five considering the conditions while outside him Mason James defended well. The best of the forwards was Siketi Tevaso, who played a half at hooker then No.8.

The annual inter-school is the biggest for both schools with 150 boys involved from each in a variety of sports.

Former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Dick Tayler addressed the TBHS assembly before the exchange.

Article added: Thursday 30 August 2018