At the after-match gathering that evening, all 22 game jerseys as well as two signed Hurricanes jerseys were auctioned, raising $32,000 for the children’s playground alongside the park.
Taihape manager Anthony Martin, who collected each jersey off the players after the game, said the club would have been happy to have raised around $300 per jumper, but it was closer to $1400.
The signed Hurricanes jerseys, which were secured by Taihape first five Dane Whale, were auctioned for $1100 and $2600 respectively.
Cyclones
Five Whanganui-connected women have been chosen in the 32-strong Manawatū Cyclones squad to prepare for the 2023 Farah Palmer Cup season. Former Black Fern and current Hurricanes Poua player Sosoli Talawadua (Marist) will be joined by returning 2022 players Hollyrae Mete (Kia Toa) and Mia Maraku (Feilding Old Boys-Oroua). Brianna Wallace (Old Boys-Marist) was in last year’s squad but has yet to debut, while new to the squad is Mete’s sister Kiera Mete (Kia Toa).
Collegiate
The Whanganui Collegiate First XV has built up a lead on top of the CNI points table after a 66-0 hammering of Lindisfarne College at the school grounds on Tuesday afternoon. Held as part of the annual sports exchange between the schools, the CNI clash was the feature game after the Collegiate Second XV lost 33-15, while the Collegiate Under-15 squad won their game 29-12.
Schoolboys
The Whanganui High School First XV secured a 33-12 away win over Dannevirke High School in the MRU Premier 1 grade on Saturday. In Premier 2, Ruapehu College 1st XV beat Tararua College 58-17, while Whanganui Collegiate School Second XV defeated Feilding High School Colts 26-14. In Youth 1, Whanganui Collegiate School Black beat Palmerston North Boys’ High School Under-14A 62-5, while in Youth 3, Collegiate Blue defeated St Peter’s 56-5.
