Boys 1st XV Edge Otahuhu in Heart-Stopping Finish
It was a finish that felt like a lifetime—ten agonising seconds on the clock, a razor-thin 23–22 lead, and an Otahuhu side furiously inching toward the try line. But when the final whistle blew, the Boys 1st XV held their line and held their breath, securing a memorable victory in front of a roaring crowd.
In a high-stakes clash defined by relentless hits and tactical grit, the Howick College 1st XV 1B Boys Rugby team proved their character when it mattered most. Holding off Otahuhu's final, desperate attack in the dying seconds, the team capped off an extraordinary performance that showcased the absolute best of secondary school rugby.
Beyond the scoreboard, the emotional weight of the day was clear. With eight core players graduating at the end of this season, the hard-fought victory served as both a statement and a fitting send-off for the departing senior group.
Captain Christin Curry said, “I’d like to thank the team as well for their incredible dedication and commitment to a long season that started back in November last year and also to the people in our corner who were backing us the whole season.”
Among those who played their final match was Leland Wade, who reflected on what the emotional win means for the squad moving forward.
"I'm proud to leave such an amazing legacy," Leland shared after the final whistle.
We wish Leland and his teammates, Ewald Engelbrecht, Rianco Haggard, Ethan Monk, Jonty Pilkington, Jack Read, Henry Simon and Max Willats all the very best for their next chapters as they graduate from Howick College at the end of this year.
Off the field, the win stands as a testament to the tireless work behind the scenes. The management staff and trainers worked around the clock to ensure the squad was peak-conditioned and mentally prepared for Otahuhu’s signature physicality.
“The boys have worked really hard since last November for this moment, and I’m just happy they got there in the end. You couldn’t ask for a better finish for our Year 13 students.
The team showed plenty of character and resolve to come from behind and stay in the game; we’re all very proud of them.” JP Faamausili, Head Coach
Chrissy Plank has been team manager for 2 years. “We are incredibly proud of our young men and the journey that took them to Eden Park. For our Year 13 students, they leave behind a legacy that our Year 12 students will carry forward as they lead the team into next year’s 1A qualifier. The journey continues.”
With momentum fully on their side, the 1st XV leave a benchmark for future generations to chase.
Howick College Supporters, Coaches, Managers and Staff will be behind our team as they look to take on Botany Downs in the 1A qualifier scheduled for April 2027.
