Boxon buckled by sickness in ranks

Broken and flu-racked bodies have left Whanganui Boxon in a nervous state in their quest to reach the Manawatu league premier grand final.

After winning their two home games when the nine-team league split into senior and premier competitions in May, Boxon narrowly lost to their bogey team the Linton Cobras 18-17 on June 22, then defaulted their Otaki fixture with Whiti Te Ra Brothers 1 at the weekend.

Coach Stewart Reweti said he had to make the tough call late on Friday due to key injuries and the flu running through all the top players.

They have two more away matches before the top three teams advance to the playoffs.

The table-topping side will go straight to the grand final while second and third face off to see who joins them.

"We have to win every game. It won't be an easy ride," said Reweti.

He was hoping to see good numbers at training tonight.

Boxon take on the Levin Knights on Saturday afternoon.