Day 25 Auckland

Final match day. Auckland Grammar. Newbridge College has had a long relationship with Auckland Grammar. Geordan Murphy and Tony Buckley went to school here along with many more of our boys. They are still fondly remembered here. Enough reminiscing. Match details. Our second team played a very closely fought game against a lively and well organised Auckland Grammar selection. At half time Auckland led by 13 points to 3, having controlled the ball for most of the half. However as with most New Zealand sides, they had difficulty dealing with our ability to kick and find space. A second half fight back ensued, testament to the boys pride in their unbeaten recored to date. Tries from Conor McHugh and Cormac Finan resulted in the match being decided by a conversion attempt from our last try. Alas the kick drifted narrowly wide and we had to settle for a one point defeat 16 points to 15. Best forward for Newbridge was Daniel Tinsley and best back was Cathal Maguire. The second game was a different matter. From the start of the warm up our firsts were focused on their big day against Auckland Grammar. As it turned out, Auckland were no match for us on the day and we ran out easy winners 64 points to 5. While this was an easy victory the boys turned in their best performance of the tour showing some excellent handling and outstanding continuity play. However it was the pace of our boys that the opposition couldn’t handle. Best forward for us was Conor Thompson and best back was Sam Coughlan-Murray with a tally of four tries. We retired to the Hockey pavilion for a post match reception where we were treated royally. We have no doubt that our visit here today will strengthen the bond between the two schools. Long may it continue.