Rugby: U19 go down to Tasman but not without fight

None of the Hawke's Bay Development team players made the tournament side.

Hawke's Bay will take on Southland in tomorrow's playoff for 11th at the national under-19 rugby tournament in Taupo.

After leading 13-6 at halftime, Hawke's Bay lost 26-20 to Tasman in their second match on Wednesday.

"We had our chances but Tasman gained the upper hand in the last 10 minutes with an intercept try and we also made a couple of errors, which didn't help," Bay manager Cyril Whitburn said.

Blindside flanker Paula Latu was the Bay's player-of-the-day. The Bay forwards hunted well as a unit and first five-eighth Jack Wakeling was the best of the backs.

Latu and prop Sean Morrison scored the Bay's tries and Wakeling kicked two penalties and two conversions.

The Hawke's Bay under-16 team finished second at their Hurricanes tournament, which ended in Levin yesterday. The Matt Wyatt-coached side ended their campaign with a 19-12 victory against Manawatu.

Nick Hutton, Raniera Petersen and Miracle Lolofie scored tries for the Bay. Jacob Stephenson and Dennon Robinson kicked conversions.

Eight of the Bay team, prop Kianu Kereru-Symes, hooker Jake Lochore, locks Liam Bauckham and Josh Bokser, flanker Jeriah Mua, halfback Brad McNaughton, utility back Lincoln McClutchie and midfield back Levy Aiolupotea made the tournament team.

The Andy Green-coached Hawke's Bay Development team finished fourth in division two, after being walloped 41-0 by Wairarapa Bush.

None of the Hawke's Bay Development team players made the tournament side.