HBHS off to flying start in Japan
Hamilton Boys have had two decisive victories in their pool matches at the Youth Rugby Championship in Japan
Hamilton Boys High School 1st XV have convincingly won their two opening games at the Sanix World Youth Rugby Tournament in Fukuoka, Japan.
The team, which left on April 22 to take on 15 of the world’s best rugby secondary schools, came up against Japanese high school Toin Gakeun on Monday, winning 46-0.
“The score might sound big but the boys had to work hard for it,” team manager Barbara Clark said .
First half try scorers were Chey Riki Hamana, Nick McCurran, Elijah Ale, Orbyn Leger and James Parton. Matthew Lansdown, Legin Hotham and Jermayne Maika scored in the second half.
Lock Jermaiyne Maika and loose-head prop James Parton both had great games, but Most Valuable Player went to Chey Riki Hamana, who made some dazzling runs from the wing.
Hamilton Boys were triumphant again on Tuesday, beating Josho Gakuen High School from Osaka, 47-5.
Fullback Shanan Tomuri and lock Aaron both got Most Valuable Player for their efforts but standout player Joe Coventry, who scored two tries on the open side flank, won the top award.
Matty Lansdown kicked six conversions in the game which was played in overcast but dry conditions.
A team member who asked to be identified only as Number 18 said the game was his first start for the side. “We know that we have to keep improving if we want to continue to be competitive from here on in.”
It’s unlikely to be an easy run to the top spot though. Two Japanese teams are looking dangerous, already knocking over the English and Australian teams.
The boys had a day off this week and visited Nagasaki.
They complete pool play this week by taking on the French, one of the competition’s strongest teams.
