The Wanganui Development XV with the RDO Shield in Levin on Saturday. Photos by Adrienne Hussey.
The Wanganui Development XV with the RDO Shield in Levin on Saturday. Photos by Adrienne Hussey.
The Rugby Development Officers Shield was being given a night on the town in Whanganui on Saturday after the Wanganui Toyota Development XV smashed Horowhenua-Kapiti Development 62-10 in the final in Levin.
Even moving the playoff game from Petone to Horowhenua-Kapiti's home turf was no detriment as Wanganui regained theShield they lost last year to complete an undefeated season.
Taking 21 players south, the side was reinforced by Steelform Wanganui outside backs Samu Kubunavanua, Cody Hemi and the returning Nick Harding, along with a familiar face as 2015 Meads Cup-winning prop Kamipeli Latu has come home from England - perfect timing given the union is currently short on proven front rowers.
After nearly two years in England, prop Kamipeli Latu has returned home and was put straight back on the pitch.
"He only got 20 minutes at the end, being short of a run, but certainly he's got the quality there," said coach Denis Edwards.
"Good game by the boys, they played the game at pace and [Horowhenua-Kapiti] couldn't match the pace. The individual skills as well.
"It's good to get [the Shield] back in such a convincing manner."
Locks Cade Robinson and Josh Lane gave an immense contribution, while captain Kieran Hussey led from the front as he has all campaign.
Kubunavanua and winger Karl Pascoe both scored two tries, while Hussey, Harding, Elijah Ah Chong, Joe Edwards, Grayson Tihema, and Kahl Elers-Green got the others.
