Development finish one win short

Stepping down to the Development XV this weekend, Wanganui Heartland representative Tremaine Gilbert had a big game in the win over Wellington Maori Development.

The Wanganui Toyota Development XV finished their RDO Shield campaign with a flourish by beating Wellington Maori Development 46-3 in Levin on Saturday.

However, coach Ross Williams said they were left to rue the bad "four and a half minutes" in Masterton three weeks ago, as the Wairarapa-Bush Development XV who beat them that day wrapped up an undefeated campaign with a 27-7 win over home team Horowhenua-Kapiti Development.

The Bush therefore claimed the Shield for 2016, with Wanganui having to hand it over for the first time since 2013.

While Wairarapa-Bush's points differential was nowhere near Wanganui's, who had destroyed Horowhenua-Kapiti 108-5 in August, they had beaten the defending champions 29-15 the following week after getting out to a big lead early.

Wanganui went on to comfortably beat both Wellington sides - Centurions and Maori - but the damage was done.

"Our victories have been really dominant and we played some outstanding rugby," said Williams.

"It was just that four and half minutes of average rugby that cost us.

"But in saying that, they're a good side [Wairarapa-Bush]. They train twice a week and had a squad of 28 players."

Going uphill in the early stages on Saturday, Wanganui eventually pulled away for the Wellington Maori, with Steelform Wanganui loose forward Tremaine Gilbert playing No8 and being the best performer on the park in the final 20 minutes, said Williams.

Winger Josaia Bogileka got a hat trick of tries, while second-five Jaye Flaws grabbed a double as part of another exceptional performance.

Fullback Tupu Tavae showed off his pace and footwork, scoring a try while adding a conversion.

The other try scorers were Gilbert, flanker Kieran Hussey and hooker Jack Yarrall, while William's first-five from the Border club James Forsythe was able to join the team to cover injuries and added two conversions.

"He works for me. He wanted to play Development but someone had to milk my cows while I was away," said Williams.

"But he had this weekend off."