Tongan hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho scored a brace as St Paul’s Collegiate hammered New Plymouth’s Francis Douglas Memorial College 32-14 in the Central North Island secondary schools' rugby final.
The big Tongan bundled over twice in the second half to secure the victory for his side at St Paul’s Collegiate on Saturday, just when the visitors looked like making a run to come back into the match.
It was sweet revenge for the hosts, after losing a tight final 25-21 last year to the same team.
Trusty goalkicker Tyrell Martin gave St Paul’s an early lead with two penalty goals, but Francis Douglas struck back soon after.
Winger Henry Miles finished off a slick backline move for the visitors, taking a cutout ball from captain Jordie Barrett, brother of All Black Beauden.
That sparked St Paul’s to make better use of a strong wind at their backs, and they soon had a lead they would never relinquish.
Winger Tom Yarrell sliced through the Francis Douglas defence with staggering ease to dot down under the posts, and from the restart St Paul’s were back on attack.
The visitors were struggling to clear the ball against the gusty winds, with St Paul’s launching attack after attack.
Big lock Shniel Singh made best use of the attacking ball on the stroke of halftime, barging through the visitors' defence to score.
Boasting a 20-7 lead at the break, it seemed St Paul’s didn't make enough of having the wind at their backs in the first half. Taukei'aho soon put paid to those thoughts when he drove his way across the line just after halftime.
The hooker was pivotal in the buildup play, smashing his way up field with surprising mobility, before putting the final touches on a strong run of forward play.
Francis Douglas did enjoy better territory in the second half, but with ball in hand St Paul’s were able to relieve the pressure, running the ball back.
Second-five Asipeli Mafua'taimi proved a menace for the visitors, going on several strong runs.
When Singh was given a yellow card after persistent infringing by the hosts, Francis Douglas did claim a second try through Enele Fidow, but Taukei'aho made the game safe moments later with his second try. A deep murmur of "Soni" rang out from the crowd when he touched the ball, and it was loudest when he scored his second try.
Any chances of a late Francis Douglas comeback were put to bed when hooker Liam Bernet was sent from the field near the end.
It was St Paul’s first CNI title since the competition was formed in 2012, and completed an unbeaten run in this year’s competition.
