The Feilding High School 1st XV with their big contingent of Wanganui expats beat Tawa College 39-24 on Saturday to book themselves a spot in the national co-ed competition finals in Rotorua later this week.
Playing Tawa for the first time, FAHS led at the break and went on toscore more tries in the final wash-up at Arena Manawatu.
"They were big buggers so it was good to get there in the end. It took a while," said coach Sam Moore.
FAHS had about 16 Wanganui and Taihape players who are boarders or recently moved to the region.
Former Wanganui High School 1st XV and sevens star Vilimoni Koroi had a great game at fullback, as did halfback Tom Stewart and Taihape's George Stratton.
Ollie Brosnahan, brother of Wanganui Under-19 representative Stuart, and Alex Hawira likewise played well.
FAHS won the Hurricanes region of the co-ed competition and join four other schools at the finals in Rotorua. They will play the Blues region winners - the traditionally strong Otahuhu College - on Friday.
