The Hurricanes Heartland Under 20 team and their large Whanganui contingent again held their own in the Central Region Shield tournament, losing 27-17 to Manawatu Under 19 at Arena Manawatu on Saturday.
After all ten Air Chathams Wanganui Under-20s players started the opening game against Wellington U19, this week sawchanges in the 23-man squad with hooker Dylan Gallien, prop Shaquille McKay and halfback Cameron Davies coming off the bench.
Captain Dylan Bowater moved from openside flanker to No8 while the others retained their positions and it was the local players who scored all the Hurricanes points - with right winger Harry Symes following up last weekend's try by getting a double.
Blindside flanker Chris Breur scored the other try in a man of the match performance, while second-five Ethan Robinson added one conversion.
Blade Jones was at loosehead prop and Shaquille Waara was on the other wing.
The game was played in excellent conditions and close all the way through.
Having also given top side Wellington U19 a challenge in their 26-12 loss, Hurricanes Heartland can approach their last game with Hawke's Bay U19 with confidence this coming Saturday.
Hawke's Bay lost to Manawatu 26-5 and then Wellington 31-6.
