Local lads tops in curtain raiser

Wanganui under-20 winger Hoani Pahl-Long crosses to score his team's opening try in their win over Horowhenua-Kapiti under-20 on Saturday. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 210913WCBRC20RUG03

It was a clean sweep for the top three Wanganui teams as the under-20 lads got the result they wanted against Horowhenua-Kapiti under-20 winning the curtain raiser at Cooks Gardens 33-20.

The Justin Lock and Jason Hamlin-coached team showed good composure to withstand some hard Horowhenua-Kapiti tackling in the opening minutes and then made their storming comeback as the visitors led 20-17 12 minutes after halftime.

Second five Te Tua Kemp opened Wanganui's scoring with a penalty, then they spread the ball for winger Hoani Pahl-Long to score a converted try.

Big lock Tawhio Gupwell charged down a kick at the ruck to score right under the posts for a 17-0 lead after 28 minutes.

Horowhenua-Kapiti then took control on either side of halftime - first scoring a barge-over try which fullback Ben Johnson converted from the sideline.

Johnson then added a penalty right on halftime, and flanker Bronson Heihei pounced right after the break with a charge-down and try.

Johnson converted and added another good penalty kick for a 20-17 advantage.

Wanganui ran it back at the visitors and flanker Hawea Meihana showed good strength to stay upright in the tackle for his fellow forwards to drive him over, with Kemp adding the extras from the sideline off the post.

Kemp added penalties in the 66th, 34th and final minutes to comfortably wrap up the game.

The under-20's will next face Poverty Bay in Napier.