Whanganui rugby: Under-18s round out season with win over Horowhenua-Kāpiti

The Under 18 Boys' team scored a big win over Horowhenua-Kāpiti U-18 at Spriggens Park on Saturday.

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The Air Chathams Whanganui Under-18 Boys’ team finished their Trustbank Central Secondary Schools Shield competition strongly with a 53-10 win over Horowhenua-Kāpiti U-18 at Spriggens Park on Saturday.

Coach Mike Lama rotated a few of the “bench riders” into the starting XV for their final fixture, after having had competitive losses to the Wellington Māori and Wairarapa Bush U-18 sides.

The home side controlled the first half to lead 31-0 at the break, although the visitors were stronger in the second half, looking to get up close and personal with the Whanganui line-up.

Lama said the visitors were aiming to get under Whanganui’s skin, and they did have some discipline issues with three yellow cards.

But from kick-chase, attacking off the set piece and keeping the ball alive, Whanganui scored some fine tries in the game.

The challenge will now be player retention for these school-leavers, to see which ones will join the adult club rugby ranks in 2025.

The win made for a successful double-header at Spriggens Park as the AGC Training Whanganui Under-16 Boys defeated Horowhenua-Kāpiti Under-16 by 62-21 after leading 24-14 at halftime.

Whanganui U-16 will next take on Hawke’s Bay Development U-16.

It was a tough Saturday afternoon for the Longrun Spouting Whanganui U-18 Girls at Tremain Park in Napier, beaten 72-0 by Hawke’s Bay U-18.