11-06-2025
SBHS remain unbeaten after trouncing OBHS
Southland Boys' winger Zeke Siola charges to one of his three tries during the interschool against Otago Boys' in Invercargill yesterday. PHOTO: DEBBIE FAHEY PHOTOGRAPHY
Southland Boys' remain unbeaten in the Southern Schools Rugby Championship.
They dispatched old rivals Otago Boys' 43-12 in Invercargill yesterday.
The game doubled as an interschool fixture and was a fairly convincing win for the home team.
They led 24-0 at halftime. Otago Boys' rallied in the second half but they were outmatched.
Southland Boys' coach Jason Dermody is pleased with the way his side have improved since their opening game of the campaign.
They dominated the physical exchanges yesterday, particularly in the opening half.
Blindside flanker Elliot Wilson shone on the side of the scrum. He made some punishing tackles and openside Josh Cairns had an industrious match.
Winger Zeke Siolo grabbed a hat-trick. The evasive left winger displayed good pace and power.
"He's done a lot of work in the offseason to get fit, and is understanding how to play rugby now," Dermody said.
"He's really good with ball in hand."
Southland essentially put the game out of reach just before halftime.
First five Jimmy Taylor put in a pinpoint cross kick to Siolo, who ran in to score from 40m.
Otago Boys' have had a tough opening round in the competition.
They beat King's and Southland Boys' 2nds.
But losses to John McGlashan and Dunstan followed by yesterday's loss have left the traditional powerhouses in fourth place.
While Dunstan had one win during the opening round, they finished last in division 1 and will be relegated to division 2.
St Kevin's College and Mt Aspiring will play off for a spot in division 1. That game is in Ranfurly on Saturday and is the only game this weekend.
