Under 16 rugby team get payback on HK

Wanganui Under 16's Henry Kilmister had a strong game in his team's win over Horowhenua-Kapiti.

The Ag Challenge Wanganui Under 16's had the perfect start to their hosting of the HYRC tournament with a 27-7 win over Horowhenua-Kapiti at the Wanganui Collegiate grounds yesterday.

Playing on the No1 field, the home side out-scored their provincial neighbours by five tries to one, adding one conversion, which allowed them to avenge a two point loss to Horowhenua-Kapiti in a preseason game.

That previous result saw Horowhenua-Kapiti seeded first in Pool B of the HYRC competition, with Wanganui down in third.

Leslie McKenzie is coaching the side with assistance from veteran player Steelie Koro - 52 first class games for Steelform Wanganui.

"The boys set a bit of a goal for themselves after last time," Koro said.

"They'll be feeling pretty good about themselves."

Fullback Logan Henry, prop Ben Strang and lock Henry Kilmister had strong games.

Wanganui will now face Wellington Development this afternoon at 1.30pm on Collegiate's No1 field.

That result will decide who they play in their last game on Thursday, with the other Pool B teams being Wairarapa Bush, East Coast and Hawke's Bay Development.

Koro said they will be in a good mindset today, not only coming off the win but having played very well.

Pool A of the tournament is made up of the Under 16 squads from the major unions in Wellington, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay and Poverty Bay.

Wellington started off their campaign with a comfortable 46-12 win over Poverty Bay in the other early afternoon game yesterday.

The Wanganui U16 team is
Ben Strang, Brandon Burberry, Cody Sherman-Phillips, David Perofeta, Dawson Sisson, Dillon Adrole, Dom Norling, Faleseu Taumailoto, Garth Metekingi, Harry Toho, Henry Kilmister, Jack Gay, Lenox Fold, Logan Henry, Max Crowley, Meven Phillippe, Oliver Toma, Peceli Malanicagi, Sam Sherriff, Sjon Marino City, Taumaru Hond, Tiaho Taiaroa, Tomasi Connor, Tyreece Adams.