Heartland lads finish with flourish

The NZ Heartland XV stood up against ITM Cup union squads at the National Under 19 tournament last week. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The NZ Heartland XV justified their inclusion in the inaugural Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19's tournament with a comprehensive 26-5 win over Hawkes Bay at finals' day in Taupo on Saturday.

The win meant the team finished 11th overall and third in the second-tier Michael Jones Trophy competition.

The Heartland squad, which had their first training run together only the day before their opening game last Sunday, upset Tasman 25-15, and then was beaten by Southland on Wednesday in a high-scoring semifinal, 48-38.

Zyon Hekenui (Ruapehu), Mitchell Overton (Taihape), James Brett (Hunterville) and Kameli Kuruyabaki (Pirates) were the local representatives.

Hekenui can expect to be rushed back into the Steelform Wanganui Heartland team after the injury to Dane Whale in Saturday's win over Wairarapa Bush. Southland U19 went on to win the Michael Jones Trophy, beating Manawatu 26-21.

The first-tier Graham Mourie Trophy was won by Wellington U19 team, who beat Canterbury 32-21 in the final.

Wellington had a strong side, which during their tournament warmup had beaten the Wanganui Development XV at Spriggens Park in August.