Skipper Josh Nicho led by example as Wairarapa-Bush overcame a slow start to beat East Coast 43-3 in their opening match at the Hurricanes under-16 boys rugby tournament being played at Rathkeale Collegte this week.
Nicho, playing at hooker, scored three of his team's four tries and was the spearhead of
a solid Wairarapa-Bush forward effort in which lock Heita Phillips and flanker Tereina Henare were also impressive. First-five Matt Henderson was the pick of the backs.
Coach Mark Brown said Wairarapa-Bush had struggled to get any momentum into their attacking play in the first half but had blossomed in the second.
Wairarapa-Bush had earlier met Hiorowhenua-Kapiti in a non-competition match on Monday with Horowhenua-Kapiti taking the honours 6-5.
Tuesday's results: Wellington A 40, Taranaki 13; Manawatu 25, Hawke's Bay 13; Poverty Bay 56, Horowhenua-Kapiti 21; Wairarapa-Bush 43, East Coast 3; Wellington development 27, Wanganui 3 (non-competition).
Yesterday was a rest day with play resuming this morning.
