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.