Linton result puts High School in final

KICKS MATTER: Mitch Millar's boot helped the Wanganui High School 1st XV into the Manawatu Colts final with a 24-22 win over Linton. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

A big week few days for the Wanganui High School 1st XV starts this afternoon when they play cross-town rivals Wanganui Collegiate. But, perhaps, a bigger match lies on the horizon with their Manawatu Colts Gordon Brown Cup final against Massey White in Palmerston North on Saturday.

The high school side earned their place in the decider after a tight 24-22 win over Linton in Saturday's home semifinal. WHS had prepared well for the match and they were quickly into their work. A good run from Blair Osborne, with an offload to Daniel Kauika, created the first try; converted by Mitchell Millar.

Kauika was in again soon after, with the home side creating space and moving the ball well.

But third-placegetters Linton showed heart to haul WHS back in with two tries before halftime, cutting High School's lead to just two points at the break.

Then the visitors snatched a 17-12 lead with the first try of the second half.

Tom Gibson regained the lead for WHS, scoring in the corner, for Miller to add the extras, before Linton hit back with an unconverted try.

Corbin Warren finished the scoring to end the match at four tries apiece, the boot of Miller the difference.

The Wanganui Collegiate-Wanganui High School match kicks off at 2.30pm at Collegiate.