Dennis Tucker has high hopes for the future of Whanganui Maori rugby despite a poor final 20 minutes costing the side a win over Manawatu Maori in their final match of the season on Saturday.
Playing the curtain raiser to the Steelform Wanganui clash with North Otago at Cooks Gardensthe Whanganui Maori side led for most of the match and by as much as 17-7 with 15 minutes to go.
But the Manawatu side managed to score two late tries to steal a win in a match which was cut 5 minutes short so the ground could be cleared for the 2.30pm Heartland Championship kick off.
"It was disappointing but the boys played well," coach Tucker said.
"We were hot on attack but we'll take it in our stride.
The tactics of kicking into a second-half wind had not helped but to have to themselves into a position where they should have won was pleasing, he said.
"It's been a great experience for the boys. We just need a bit more commitment to be able to be up there. We need support from the bigger picture of Whanganui."
"We've got to take the loss but at the end of the day they were very closes losses.
"I'll never blame the boys. They played with pride and they played with spirit and I'm very proud."
