Wanganui's sole senior league team fought out a thriller with the Manawatu competition leaders on Saturday, a penalty off the last play securing a 24-24 draw at Te Kura O Kokohuia.
Played in front of a solid crowd of supporters, Whanganui Boxon and Otaki's Whiti Te Ra Brothers 1 eachscored four tries and traded penalty kicks inside the final five minutes to be deadlocked on the final whistle.
The match was Boxon's possible only home game this season after last week's default by Whiti Te Ra Brothers 2, and against their more fancied opposition with a spot in the Premier grade to be confirmed they took the field to make it count.
"We were winning the first half 16-10, scored again in the second to 22-10," said coach Stewart Reweti.
Whiti Te Ra Brothers 1 scored two quick tries to tie the scores 22-22, then worked forward again to secure a penalty right in front of the sticks with five minutes to play.
Down 24-22 after having led most of the way, Boxon did not panic and worked a smart set of six to get field position and earned their own penalty with time up on the clock.
"We drew them on the last kick, it was a very exciting game," said Reweti.
"To actually draw with the top team is an achievement."
Still, the match had been there for the taking and Reweti said little errors creeping in had proved costly.
The end of the first round leaves Boxon with five wins, a draw, and two losses.
That record is enough to secure the team a spot in Premier grade for the first time in just their second season, as the nine-team Manawatu league now splits into Premier and Senior competitions.
Reweti said the draw for the remainder of the year, which is supposed to have a home and away format for the four Premier teams, has yet to be received.
Boxon would love to have matches at Te Kura O Kokohuia again as they are the only side that has to travel out of district, but it remains to be seen as they play Premier for the first time.
"We were hoping maybe we'll get a couple of home games but I'm not sure with this Manawatu competition," Reweti said.
