Teams to look out for - 2019 Secondary School Ki o Rahi Nationals part 2

This year we look at the Top 8 teams from 2018’s New Zealand Secondary School Ki o Rahi Nationals.

This week it’s:

Hastings Boys and Hukarere Girls

2018 Secondary School Ki o Rahi Nationals - Hastings Boys & Hukarere Girls

Hastings Boys High School is an all boys school with over 700 students of which approximately 50% are of Māori descent, they partner up with Hukarere Girls an Anglican Māori boarding school for girls with only about 100 students. Together they represent the Kahungungu region.

In 2018, Hastings Boys & Hukarere Girls started Day 1 in Pool B alongside 2013 & 2014 champions Te Wharekura o Rakaumangamanga, neighbouring school Karamu High, Te Kura Kaupapa Maaori o Kaikohe, Te Kura o Kokohuia and Kuratai.

On Day 1 Hastings Boys & Hukarere Girls played Rakaumanga first and were well beaten 46 - 2, however they bounced back with strong wins over Karamu 29 - 11, TKKM o Kaikohe 47 - 11 and Kokohuia 36 - 9, they also managed to score 50 points in their win over Kuratai, however they did let in 41 points.

Hastings Boys & Hukarere Girls lost only the one game which meant they finished 2nd in their Pool and would finish for the first time in the Top 8 at Secondary School Ki o Rahi Nationals.

2nd place in Pool B put them up against 2016 National Champions Lytton High School. Lytton were too strong in this game but Hastings Boys & Hukarere Girls will have walked away knowing that they can go one or two steps better in 2019.

We haven’t heard how they have gone in Te Matau-a-Maui regionals but we’re backing them to be back whilst at home for 2019 Secondary School Ki o Rahi Nationals.

Here’s hoping there’s a big turn out of support for the local schools come April as this could really benefit the Hawkes Bay teams!