The Mount Aspiring College (MAC) boys’ first XV started their campaign in the 2020 Otago premier schools rugby competition with a 0-28 loss to Otago Boys High School (OBHS) on Saturday (June 21) in Wanaka.

OBHS are traditionally one of the best first 15 sides in the country, and they proved a class above the local side with a dominant, if not convincing, performance.

Played in freezing conditions, the match was a typical early season contest with both sides prone to errors and finding themselves on the wrong side of the new rule interpretations around the ruck and offside line.

OBHS began the match ominously, scoring their first converted try after just five minutes and adding three more before half time to take a commanding 28-0 lead at the break.

MAC had competed well in the first half and lifted their physicality in the second spell to keep the Dunedin side scoreless.

New open side flanker Darcy Morrison had an outstanding match for MAC with numerous turnovers and excellent defensive work.

MAC No. 8 Fergus Read was one of many MAC players to hold their own against a more fancied opponent.

He was complemented by number eight Fergus Read and prop Rhys Hughes. Together they form a formidable trio for MAC and more than held their own against their opposite numbers.

Midfielder Ryan Schmack was at his best, saving several tries and running good lines on attack.

“Overall we are happy with how the game went,” head coach Carl Schmack said. “The defensive effort was outstanding, and the boys never gave up. We had a number of boys playing their debut first fifteen competition game and to keep Otago Boys scoreless for one half is something to be proud of.”

There is no let up for MAC as their next match is against Southland Boys High School (SBHS) this coming weekend in Invercargill. SBHS had a narrow 17-15 win over John McGlashan College on Saturday.

Match results:

Premiership

John McGlashan 15 SBHS 17

Dunstan HS 7 Kings HS 73

MAC 0 OBHS 28

Championship

OBHS 2nd’s 17 South Otago HS 15

St Kevin’s 22 Wakatipu 7

Waitaki BHS 43 Otago Combined 7

PHOTO: Andy Reddy