It was heartbreak for the Display Associates Wanganui Under 18's as a successful penalty kick with time up saw them beaten 8-6 by the Wellington Samoans U18 in Levin on Saturday.
Wellington Samoans scored the only try of the game in the first half, while Wanganui took the lead throughtwo penalties by first-five and vice captain Desmond Tyrell.
Despite having the better of territory, Wanganui were defending when two players infringed just to the left of the posts, with the Wellington Samoans slotting the matchwinner.
"Leading right up to the last minute, then penalty," said coach Danny Tamehana.
"We actually dominated the game, I believe, right up to the last minute.
An Achilles heel of the team has been conceeding points right at the end of all their HYRC Series matches, while they have not had a chance to really use the pace of their backs, due to always playing in wet and muddy conditions.
On Saturday, Tyrell controlled play well with some good kicking, while the standouts in the forwards for No8 Finau Nimatasau and blindside flanker Phoenix Kairimu, for ball carrying and defence respectively.
The defeat wraps up the HYRC Series for Wanganui with a win, draw and a loss, while arrangements are being made for the team to face one of the Catholic school teams from Wellington this coming weekend.
