Wairarapa-Bush did not taste success at the regional under-11s and under-13s central zone tournament in Wanganui last week but their teams still made impressive progress over the three days.
First up, the under-11s met Hutt Valley and, with the Wairarapa-Bush squad being troubled by travel sickness, it was Hutt Valleywho called the tune, winning 44-12. Wairarapa-Bush were sluggish and lacked focus and Hutt Valley were quick to capitalise. Player of the day for Wairarapa-Bush was Rocco Berry.
It was a much better prepared Wairarapa-Bush side which met Wanganui on the second day. Wanganui won 10-5 but Wairarapa-Bush created several try-scoring opportunities, only one of which they were able to convert into points, and that came right on full-time. Logan Wakefield was player of the day.
On day three, the Wairarapa-Bush under-11s took on Wellington, and while Wellington won 15-0, the tenacity of the Wairarapa-Bush defence was the highlight. Wellington, which won all three of their games, launched many strong attacks but generally the Wairarapa-Bush defence held firm. Player of the day for Wairarapa-Bush was Josh Matthews.
The Wairarapa-Bush under-13s also lacked energy in their opening match against their Hutt Valley counterparts. Hutt Valley, which ended up unbeaten, played the game at pace and ran out comfortable 44-12 winners. Logan Allen was player of the day.
Conceding a try in the first two minutes was not the ideal start for Wairarapa-Bush in their next match against Wanganui but they hit back strongly, mounting several attacks but were unable to penetrate the Wanganui defence. Wanganui scored a second try late in the game to win 10-0. Wairarapa-Bush player of the day was Rongo Martin-Wade.
The Wairarapa-Bush under-13s completed their tournament with an excellent performance against Wellington in a high scoring match won by the latter 36-24. At one stage, Wairarapa-Bush led 12-10 but after trading tries for most of the game a momentary lapse of concentration allowed Wellington to score two tries, and run out handy winners. It spoke volumes for the Wairarapa-Bush resolve, however, that they scored the last try of the match. Their player of the day was Taylor Mihaka.
