Kelston Boys High School Win in a Close One

Kelston Boys High School Win in a Close One

Auckland, September 6, 2013 - It’s official, after ten long years, Kelston Boys High School are once again New Zealand Rugby League National Secondary School tournament Champions. The final was a tough and hard fought encounter with an equally committed Mt Albert Grammar School, a game definitely worthy of a Grand Final. Crowds of supporters surrounded the fields and cheered every tackle, line break and try with passion. The final score was 26 – 12 to Kelston and their captain Mathew Faitotoa thanked their supporters, the coaching staff and school staff for their support.

In the Development final it was truly a game of two halves with Rotorua Boys High School scoring four unanswered tries to lead 24 – nil at the break and St Thomas of Canterbury returning serve with three tries of their own in the second. The final score was 24-18, with Rotorua Boys High School the 2013 Development Grade champions.

Prior to the kick off of the main final, there was a moments silence to acknowledge the passing of a true Kiwi Legend of League, Mel Cooke. Mel, Kiwi #384 was inducted into the Legends Hall of Fame in 1995 and named in the Kiwis Team of the Century at Loose Forward. He captained the Kiwis from 1962-1964 and was described as ‘a player who could run all day’. The thoughts and best wishes of New Zealand Rugby League are with the Cooke family at this sad time.

To complete the day there were a number of presentations including:

Watties MVP Developing Grade award: James Fisher Harris, Whangarei Boys High School
Watties MVP Premiership Grade award: Logan Winter, Aranui High School

NZRL Jim Doyle Man of the Match: Salafuauli Falelua-Malio, Kelston Boys High School

Developing Grade Final:
Rotorua Boys High School: 24 (Bavou, Kingi-Murray, Vaeno tries; Tahuriorangi 4 goals)
St Thomas of Canterbury College: 18 (Van der Velde 2, Falaniko tries; Tatupu 3 goals)
H/T: 24-0

Premiership Grand Final:
Mt Albert Grammar School: 18 (Roache, Tapueluelu, Smith; Simone 3 goals)
Kelston Boys High School: 26 (Aroha, Halalova, Nga Lam 2 tries; Ioka 4 goals; Ioka 1 penalty)
H/T: 18 - 12 Mt Albert

ENDS

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