Waitaki Boys’ beats St Kevin’s 12-5 to retain trophy

Waitaki Boys’ has gone back to back in the interschool clash, beating St Kevin’s College 12-5 to retain the Leo O’Malley Trophy, in Oamaru, yesterday.

It was played in horrendous conditions, torrential rain soaking Whitestone Contracting Stadium and causing havoc for the players.

But that hardly bothered Waitaki Boys’ captain Tyree Manaia (17), who was "honoured" to lead the team to victory.

"I feel super pumped eh," Tyree said after the game.

"Super grateful to get the win today and super blessed to be part of this team."

It was a slow start, both teams testing the conditions and their kicking games, and one riddled with errors.

Waitaki Boys’ High School celebrates its 12-5 win over St Kevin’s College in yesterday’s interschool match. PHOTO: KAYLA HODGE

Waitaki Boys’ halfback Alex Wilson was the first to break through, and converted his own try, the team leading 7-0 at half-time.

Strong No 8 Lotu Fifita scored for Waitaki Boys’ in the 47th minute, on the back of some dazzling footwork by Caden Hoffman to extend the lead to 12-0.

St Kevin’s took it to Waitaki Boys’ the whole game, led by captain Ben Kay. No 8 Evo Ridley did a power of work and grabbed St Kevin’s only try.

Waitaki Boys’ was forced to change up its game plan due to the weather and Tyree said it was great to see the boys adapt and work it closer.

"We’ve been struggling to play in this weather but today we showed we can.

"Just the passion the boys showed, the desperation. They really brought it in the end and our boys stuck together."

A minute’s silence for long-serving Otago Daily Times correspondent and broadcaster Terry O’Neill, who died on June 17, was held before kick-off.