Rugby: Under 20's hang on to win in Gisborne

Junior Ainea was one of the Wanganui Under 20 tryscorers in their narrow win.

Air Chathams Wanganui Under 20 held out a determined Poverty Bay 30-28 in a tough opening to their Hurricanes Development Series in Gisborne on Saturday.

Wanganui scored five tries with fullback Shaquille Waara getting a double.

Also touching down were fellow debutantes in centre Junior Ainea and No8 Gordon Coogan, while the returning Jessy Kemp scored on the right wing.

First five Mitchell Millar added one conversion and a penalty.

"The first 20 minutes we were up 22-7, scored some great tries," said coach Jerome McCrea.

"The second half, lost a bit of shape.

"It was a dog fight at the breakdown. We just had to adapt, really.

"They were big boys, a lot of pick and go, a lot of penalties both ways."

McCrea said he was pleased with the squad's set piece in their first match together, and they know what will need some work at Thursday training.

That will lead into the big weekend in Palmerston North where they will play Wairarapa Bush and Horowhenua-Kapiti back-to-back.

Wanganui U20 were fresh for the game as their sponsor arranged a direct morning flight for them to Gisborne, bringing the team home just after 5pm.

"It was awesome, just flying over and back instead of three days in a bus," said McCrea.