A Super 8 home final is now a very real prospect for Tauranga Boys’ after they beat defending champions Hamilton Boys’ 20-18 in a thrilling contest in Hamilton on Thursday.

There was an element of good fortune in the win that brought the famous Don Clarke Boot trophy back home over the Kaimai Range – with Hamilton botching two simple kicks at goal in the final stages – but it was an against the odds win to remember.

This was a major step up for unbeaten Tauranga after four resounding victories over Rotorua Boys’, New Plymouth Boys’, Napier Boys’ and Palmerston North Boys’.

This clash between the two Super 8 heavyweights was a battle of the minds as much as anything, with neither side prepared to give an inch.

Tauranga lost two key players during the game, through injuries to flanker Jay McQuoid and centre Ethan McManemin, and were up against a home crowd estimated to be around 2,500.

But the team captained by halfback Charlie Sinton never gave in under extreme pressure against a bigger forward pack and took their opportunities to score.

In a game where every Tauranga player gave their all, and the lineout work of locks Leo Keaney and Tom Dyer played a significant role, Mason Verster was the star performer as he showed the big match temperament that all quality first-fives possess.

Mason scored a fine individual try, after some tricky running from winger Dylan Henderson set up the chance, and kicked all four attempts at goal – including the eventual match-winner from the sideline.

Elusive running fullback Aaron Riley scored a fine try from a smart break by Judah Draiva, after Hamilton opened the scoring, to leave the game nicely poised at 10-10 at halftime.

The injury toll increased as the game went into the final stages and after Mason Verster’s sublime sideline conversion it looked like Tauranga would hold on leading 20-13.

Hamilton had other ideas and stormed home to close the deficit to 20-18 but with their goalkickers having a day to forget the spoils went to Tauranga.

Tauranga Boys’ rugby motto is “Anchored by values of courage, appreciation, resilience and ethics”.

On the evidence of the last few seasons in particular, the new culture based around the theme has done wonders for rugby at the school and set a blueprint for consistent success.

Head coach Aidan Kuka introduced the symbolism of the anchor when he took over the reins of the First XV in 2021.

It is all about the team being based around representing their local people and environment.

“We are taking on the philosophy of being on a waka and going on a journey, and using the anchor as a symbol to keep us grounded and connected to our values, our school and our community,” says Aidan.

That waka has been powering through the Super 8 competition waters ever since.

In 2021, Tauranga finished fourth and gave Bay of Plenty rivals Rotorua Boys’ a real fright in a Moascar Cup challenge, before losing 16-15 in the final play of the match.

The Don Clarke Boot was won against Hamilton Boys’ for the first time since the Super 8-winning 1999 team that included future All Blacks Nathan Harris and Sam Cane.

In 2022, Tauranga beat Rotorua to win the Moascar Cup and were crowned Bay of Plenty champions to earn the right to play Waikato champions Hamilton to find the team to represent the Chiefs at the national finals.

Tauranga lost a nail-biter in the final minute to Hamilton but it set up last season’s triumphant surge past Hamilton into the national top four competition, where Tauranga missed playing in the final but showed what they are capable of.

Now in 2024, the team has gone up a few notches higher to lead the Super 8 table heading into the school holidays break.

Tauranga play Hastings Boys’ at home on Nicholson Field on Saturday July 27 at 12pm followed by a trip to Gisborne Boys’ on August 3 – and potentially a home final to follow.

Tauranga Boys’ College 20 (Aaron Riley, Mason Verster tries; Verster 2 cons, 2 pens) defeated Hamilton Boys' High 18 (Oliver Guerin, Hiraka Waitai-Haenga, Noah Walker tries; Henry Lumley pen.) Halftime: 10-10.