The result was a turnaround from last year’s derby, which saw Hastings Boys’ High win handsomely.
Napier Boys’ High halfback Harry Bain scores a try in the derby. Photo / Emma Rodger
Napier Boys’ High co-captain and no.8 Carter Pirie led the forward pack well and said he was proud of his team’s physicality.
“It’s definitely a game we look forward to each year.
“It’s a good rivalry between us and Hastings – it was a good week of building, and we’re happy to get away with the win,” he said.
“It’s a pretty good feeling, particularly after last year.”
Napier Boys’ High were dominant at the lineout, and Pirie said they’d been working on that area of their game with specialist coach Gareth Evans.
He said they also had some “pretty tall timber”.
He said he was rapt with their start to the Super 8 competition, and they were looking forward to hosting Tauranga Boys’ next weekend.
After going into halftime down 22-7, Hastings Boys’ High had the better possession and field position in the second half, as they fought hard to get back into the match.
However, the hosts were unable to capitalise, and the game was all but wrapped up when Napier halfback Bain produced a classy flick pass around his back to Lovatt, who crossed over to score and extend the halftime lead.
The game was mostly played in good spirits, but a Hastings substitute was shown a red card in the dying minutes for a punch to the head.
Meanwhile, Lindisfarne College’s 1st XV had a thrilling 48-46 win over powerhouse side Feilding High School on Saturday in the Central North Island schools rugby competition.
Hastings Boys’ High School 7 (Hamiora Fatialofa try; Mika Ioasa con) lost to Napier Boys’ High School 34 (Harry Bain, Ollie Maclachlan, Brad Pearce, Will Lovatt, Cooper Kinnear tries; Will Lovatt 3 con, 1 pen)