2nd XV win the 1B Championship
On Saturday 27th August, the Westlake 2nd XV played Mahurangi 1st XV at North Harbour Stadium in the final of the 1B First XV Division. For the 7th form boys in both sides this would be the final time they played for their respective schools and both teams wanted to end the season on a high.
The first half was a nail biter with strong defence by both sides resulting in nil all at the break. Going into the second half Mahurangi twice threatened with runaways by their speedsters. On the first occasion No 14 Tiennan Costley was left to make the try saving tackle, while No 7 Ben Mitchell scrambled in defence and won the turn-over ball stopping the attack in its tracks. Later it was No.6 Ollie Watts who sprinted across in a superb cover tackle into touch saving the day. Unfortunately Westlake conceded a penalty and a quick tap caught the defence off guard resulting in a converted try.
Several times this season, this team has had to fight back from behind and this experience served them well. Westlake’s first points came from a relentless attack on the line which eventually saw No 3 Flynn Willemse charge over for a Try. Strong winds made kicking difficult and the try went unconverted, leaving Westlake trailing 5-7. The players were probably more composed than the supporters on the sideline who where growing more nervous by the minute. With time all but up on the clock, Westlake desperately needed to score and needed to retain possession to keep the game alive. That they did, with an unrelenting onslaught, phase after phase. Eventually No 15 Jarrod Ferguson charged his way through with No 8 Ryo Ozaki in support. The try was awarded and with it the Championship! Congratulations to the whole squad, who made their coaches Mr Hamish McKerrow and Mr Will Gage-Brown proud.
