“From here, it’s a matter of building their fitness and upskilling,” said Poverty Bay under-16 rugby head coach Tuki Sweeney.
His team lost the Division A third/fourth playoff 23-5 against Manawatu at the Hurricanes tournament in Wanganui yesterday.
“Three times here wehad a dream start in scoring first but couldn’t keep it going. Both teams made mistakes in the first half but after the break, our boys’ organisation and spacing in defence improved a lot.”
Poverty Bay lock Keanu Wainohu-Kemp opened the scoring 90 seconds into the game with a try in the right corner.
That only served to sting Manawatu into action, and they led 18-5 at halftime.
Sixteen-year-old openside flanker and Poverty Bay captain Dylan Hall was named his side's MVP (most valuable player) for the fourth straight time.
The East Coast under-16s lost their Division B fifth/sixth playoff against Horowhenua-Kapiti 53-3 yesterday. Tremain Cannell kicked a penalty for the Coast’s points. Captain and halfback Te Aho Haenga, tighthead prop Cannell and left-winger Rawhiti Ngata were outstanding for the Coast.
