Massey battle back to snatch title

FALTERED: The Wanganui High School lads stumbled at the final hurdle when finishing runners-up in the McDonald's Manawatu Colts competition in Palmerston North at the weekend. PHOTO/FILE 180715WCBRCWHS20

After a nervous start, the Wanganui High School 1st XV led for most of the final of the McDonald's Manawatu Colts competition before succumbing to Massey White 24-19 in Palmerston North at the weekend.

WHS have competed in the tough under-21 competition for three years now and while disappointed not to win outright, the team felt no shame in being runner-up this season, according to deputy principal Chris Friedel.

The other two years WHS have finished fourth.

In her weekly rugby newsletter to parents, WHS supporter Stacey Ranginui said the lads showed a few nerves early in the match allowing Massey to capitalise and score in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful, but the home side were up 5-0.

WHS then shrugged off the nerves and Sheldon Pakinga intercepted the ball to score under the posts, making for an easy conversion by Mitchell Millar.

A penalty against Massey gave WHS an opportunity at goal which they missed. Massey then showed a bit of pace and scored in the corner to narrow the margin to 10-7.

A subsequent Massey penalty in front of the sticks gifted them a 13-7 lead.

However, that was short-lived when Pakinga scored in the corner and Harerangi Meihana made the conversion - the score 14-13 WHS's way.

A runaway try from Daniel Kauika stretched the WHS lead to 19-13 at half-time. A penalty against WHS was kicked by Massey to narrow the margin again to 19-16.

A big battle commenced when Massey attacked and WHS defended for about 10 minutes. Massey finally scored in the corner to give them a 21-19 lead which was extended to 24-19, after a last minute penalty was awarded to Massey.

"It was a great battle and it didn't come easy for Massey, they did have to work for it. Well done to the WHS team for stepping up to the under-21 colts grade - we are all very proud of each and everyone of you," Ranginui said in her newsletter.