Waimea Combined Schools came agonizingly close to beating the Rangiora High School 1st XV for the first time in 10 years on Saturday.
The visitors’ slick backline scored two early tries, but the Barbarians responded through hooker Finn Price with his fifth five pointer of the season, and lock Liam Egan.
However, Rangiora edged ahead again when rangy centre Caleb Spark snaffled an intercept and scored his second, and then fullback Leith Foster scooted away for the fourth, and a 22-10 half-time lead.
But, in a repeat of last week, the Baabaas stormed back with tries to reserve back Jordan Moriarty, and loose forward Morgan Jelfs Berry after an 80 metre burst by Liam.
Rangiora had taken a penalty shot at goal, from inside its own half, but it was fielded by first five Riley Weir, who offloaded to Liam.
“I was just screaming for it, and gaps just seemed to open up. I was pretty gassed by the end of it, but the boys were in support, recycled the ball, and Morgan scored close to the posts,” says Liam, who was one of five Golden Bay players in action on Saturday.
That gave the hosts, playing at Garin College for the first time in three years, a 24-22 lead, only for Caleb to pounce on a loose ball and sprint 30 metres to complete his hattrick, and seal a 29-24 win to keep Rangiora unbeaten in the Miles Toyota Championship.
“A lot of turnovers, silly mistakes, and our discipline let us down, but we didn’t give up and went hard for the full 80,” says Baabaas vice-captain Finn, who was desperate to beat Rangiora after losing to the school twice in 2024.
Thoughts echoed by head coach Kristian Hall-Smith.
“Crucial errors at critical moments cost us. Rangiora is a really good side and it showed what teams in that premiership level are like,” says Kristian.
Rangiora was bottom of the premiership last year after going winless but, dropping to the second-tier championship, it has won five straight games.
“The two bonus points help in a tight competition. Our sights are set on making the top six,” confirms Kristian, who thought it was pretty special to be back at his old school.
“It is to be able to take more games around the region.”
The Baabaas are in fifth place on the ladder after winning three of their six matches so far this season.
