WHS takes on Scots - August 2015

THE Wanganui High School 1st XV will put itself to the test when it tackles Scots College at Cooks Gardens on Saturday in a Land Rover 1st XV competition clash.

After finishing runners-up in the Manawatu Colts Under-21 championship to Massey White, WHS wanted to stretch itself and take on one of the stronger schools in the country.

It had the choice of playing in the Co-ed Cup 1st XV competition for co-ed schools, or the Land Rover competition open to all 1st XVs. It includes Scots College which just went down to St Pat's Town in the final of the strong Wellington competition.

Scots College went into that final favourites after finishing top qualifier. Its 19-8 loss to St Pat's Town followed a premier one finals trend. It was the fifth successive year a team had gone into the Wellington final with an undefeated record and lost.

Scots College also shared the national 1st XV trophy last year after drawing 26-all with Hamilton Boys High.

WHS deputy principal Chris Friedel said the team was keen to pit itself against strong national school sides and the Land Rover competition fitted the bill.

"After such a good season we were keen to take on one of the stronger schools in the country. Scots College may be a strong side, but they don't know how strong we are - they don't know anything about us. We will be fielding our strongest team possible for Saturday's match," Friedel said yesterday.

The winner of the 4pm match at Cooks Gardens on Saturday will play Gisborne Boys' High School in an away semifinal of the Land Rover competition.