They might have suffered three losses but the Wairarapa-Bush under-13 rugby side performed with credit at a tournament on the artificial turf at Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt, over the weekend.
With limited preparation it was always going to be a tough ask for Wairarapa-Bush against the likes ofWanganui (lost 10-34), Wellington (22-60) and Hutt Valley (0-83) but under the guidance of coaches Marty Berry and Matt O'Neale, they won plaudits for their grit and determination.
Against Wellington, in particular, there was a lot to admire about the way Wairarapa-Bush stuck to their task after trailing 46-5 at half-time. They actually outscored Wellington three tries to two in the second half.
Five of the team's six tries during the tourney were scored by Carlos Karaitiana, who was player of the day against Wanganui.
