Tauranga Boys’ College rugby fans are celebrating a historic victory.

The Tauranga Boys’ First XV have had some outstanding victories at their home ground, Nicholson Field, over the years – but none better than their astonishing 37-0 thrashing of Hamilton Boys’ High in the Super 8 final today.

The victory set a new record in Super 8 rugby finals as Tauranga Boys lifted the famous shield, the symbol of high school rugby success, for only the second time since their previous triumph in 1999, 25 years ago.

The match was watched by one of the largest crowds seen at the school for many years, with groundskeeper Richard Earl and the Tauranga Boys’ large band adding pleasant notes to the atmosphere, creating a magnificent pitch.

Hamilton has won 14 Super 8 titles since 2005 and made an aggressive start with monster tight end Liam van der Heyden breaking up the Tauranga scrum in the opening half.

But the Waikato school’s only moment of dominance came when Tauranga props Ioapo Kupita and Nickolai Te Huia built play from deep and superb midfielder Charlie Sinton cleverly calculated how to get the ball into the scrum to ensure a sustained quick pass.

The Tauranga Boys celebrate winning the Super 8 title on Saturday. Photo: Peter White

The first 17 minutes of the match were a cat-and-mouse game, with both teams trying to find space between two determined defensive lines.

Tauranga’s outstanding forward trio of Jay McQuoid, Ketai Zinyowera and Aidan Spratley added power to Hamilton’s tackles, which sent attacking runners racing back.

Fittingly, it was No. 8 Aidan Spratley who burst through the defence to score the goal. Mason Verner converted the goal, then added a penalty, playing against a stiffening wind to give them a handy 10-0 lead.

Just before half-time, Hamilton looked certain to finish off a fine move with a try in the corner, but winger Kele Lasaqa, who has been a constant threat with the ball in his hands throughout the match, made a heroic tackle to prevent the move.

Tauranga manager Aidan Kuka is a highly motivating character and his words at half-time proved effective as Kele Lasaqa once again created an opportunity for first-half Mason Verster to score under the posts.

Mason increased the difference to 20-0 with accurate goal kicks, while Judah Draiva finished the match in a competitive manner with two stylish goals for the second five.

Hamilton buckled under pressure and made simple mistakes that he doesn’t normally make, but that was the result of the Tauranga team’s fierce defensive pressure.

After a hugely popular goal from left winger Kele Lasaqa, Charlie Sinton finished the game by firing the ball wide and Nicholson Field was invaded by hundreds of fans for a goal celebration.

Captain Charlie was rightly proud of what his team had achieved in the final against Hamilton and throughout the season.

“I’m proud of the defensive effort. It’s something we’ve emphasized all year long, but especially this week we’ve emphasized going forward with determination,” Charlie says.

“We are proud of our defence, especially in the middle of the field and especially on our own goal line.

“These are things you can’t coach.”

Tauranga players were well aware of the history of the Super 8 and how long the school had waited for its second title.

“It’s been in the back of the kids’ minds all year long. It’s nice to have it home after 25 years,” Charlie says.

The Super 8 First XV title came after Tauranga beat Hamilton 36-17 in the Super Rugby Second XV final played the day before to win only their second Super 8 title since their 2009 triumph.

This double success means a lot to coach Aidan Kuka, who has transformed the Tauranga Boys’ rugby program since 2021.

“It’s something I’ve carried with me throughout my coaching career, which has been going on for a few years. I like having a big squad with both (first and second) teams training together and it’s worked for us this season,” Aidan says.

“Our players deserved the success they got and they really showed their bodies today.”

It’s been an eventful week for Tauranga’s boys in blue, but there’s more to come.

Next Saturday, August 17, from 12pm at Nicholson Field, Tauranga will host arch-rivals Rotorua for the right to represent Bay of Plenty schools, in a crucial match that will determine who will play under the Chiefs banner in the fourth round of the national play-offs, most likely against Hamilton.

Results, Saturday, August 10, 2024: Tauranga Boys’ College 37 (Judah Draiva 2, Aidan Spratley, Mason Verster, Kele Lasaqa tries; Mason Verster 3 goals, 2 penalties) Hamilton Boys’ High 0.