Boys' High Super leader

Hamilton Boys' High School's 1st XV heads into the holiday break leading the Super 8 rugby competition as the only unbeaten side after defeating Rotorua Boys' High 19-12 in a close game in Hamilton last Saturday.

The young Hamilton side dominated most of the first spell and, following long periods of sustained pressure from their forwards, the home side led 9-0 after first five-eighth Nathan George had successfully kicked three penalty goals.

Just before halftime, that lead was increased to 14-0 after centre Chauncy Edwardson ran strongly and dived over the goal line to score the opening try in the match.

Rotorua gained better field position in the second half and then scored two tries, one of them converted, to narrow the lead to 14-12, and the last quarter of the match was a tense contest. However, hooker Sefo Setefano sealed the match for Hamilton with a try from a forward drive following a 5m lineout.

Hamilton's loose forward trio of Adam Burn, Bruce Jones and Hugh Blake all had strong games while second five-eighth Jone Lagibola led the backline defence well.

Having now retained the Moascar Trophy for the fourth time this season, Hamilton play their next three Super 8 games away after the holiday break and will not have to defend the Moascar again until they play Hastings BHS in the final round of the Super 8, in Hamilton on August 15.

In the local competition, St Paul's Collegiate captured the Tricolor Trophy after beating holders St Peter's 12-3 in a dour game played on a damp, cold day. Both sides played with a lot of passion and produced strong defensive efforts.

The big St Paul's forward pack dominated the set pieces, preventing St Peters from getting their natural free-flowing game going. No tries were scored in the match, with James Hviid kicking the winning side's four penalty goals. St Paul's captain Fraser Sherson led his side well and secured his team a lot of quality possession with his fine lineout work.

Cambridge recorded the day's biggest win, 73-3, against Matamata. Captain and hooker Sam Van der Valk scored four of his side's 13 tries with his strong, driving, go-forward play, while flanker Jacob Nield was another forward to stand out on the day, scoring three tries.

Church College also won well, beating Morrinsville 37-7 at Templeview. CCNZ played the game at pace. Halfback Sean Harwood played well for the winning side, directing play well, running strongly and distributing the ball with crisp passing, while captain and open-side flanker Ara Elkington continued his dynamic season, scoring three of his side's six tries.

Fraser had a good home win, getting up to beat HBHS 3 11-10 after trailing the visiting side 7-0 at halftime. Fraser prop Elliot Andrew scored his side's try under the posts after a bullocking, charging run. The simple conversion attempt was missed, but Caleb Deane later kicked two penalty goals in the second half to get his side their narrow win. Fraser had the edge in the forward battle, with props Andrew and Sam Sotogi, together with No8 Ili Chapman, always close to the action.

At Te Awamutu, the home side, produced their best effort of the season to beat Otorohanga 23-12. Te Awamutu stuck to their game plan, played well as a team, and deserved to win. Centre Hayden Paerata (2) and first five eighth Des Te Tuhi scored the winning side's three tries.

St Johns and Forest View both had a bye on Saturday.