31 March 2024
18s Girl’s Finals
Auckland 10 v Canterbury 20
The host team were first to put points on the board in the opening minutes of the game, scoring through their right edge before successfully kicking the conversion. They continued building momentum in the game, scoring again shortly after off the back of excellent ball play and strong finishing on the try line. The Cantabrians were unable to score in the first half, with the score set at 10-0 half time to Auckland.
The opening of the second half saw the Canterbury Bulls strike back to maintain a footing in the game, after a nifty dart from dummy half and over the try line to score. The girls from Canterbury continued to build momentum after an Auckland error gave them possession and the opportunity to score again. A successful conversion equalised the score to 10-all with minutes to go. The Aucklanders struggled to fire back as Canterbury continued to play with energy and pace. A barging run from a Canterbury forward 10 metres from the try-line saw them score a third try to take the lead. In the final minute of the match, the South Islanders sealed their win with one final try down their right edge, crowning them the national U18 girls champions for 2024.
18s Boys Finals
Wellington 20 v Canterbury 4
The boys from the capital were first to put points on the board in the opening minute of the match, with fast pace and skill giving them the opportunity to cross the white line. They continued to build momentum while keeping out the South Islanders, going on to score again minutes later and successfully converting. The halftime score was set at 10-0 in favour of the Wellington Orcas.
Wellington continued their roll-on from the first half, firing straight away to score twice in the opening minutes of the second half. Determined to stay in the game, the Cantabrians struck back with excellent ball play and speed down their left edge to give them their first try. This would be the final try of the match, the Orcas being too dominant and claiming the championship title.
