Under 20's win real tussle

Hererangi Meihana landed three first half kicks to give Wanganui Under 20 the advantage over Poverty Bay Under 20 on Saturday.

The NZCT Wanganui Under 20's survived a rugged second match in the Hurricanes regional tournament by holding off Poverty Bay Under 20 by 19-13 at the IRANZ academy in Palmerston North on Saturday.

Wanganui were missing several players, notably their inspirational captain of the last three years Gabriel Hakaraia, as the front rower was required for the Wanganui Development XV back at Spriggens Park due to the withdrawal of prop Jason White.

They led 9-0 at halftime through three penalties by first-five Hererangi Meihana, then added second half tries by wingers Jesse Kemp and Isaiah Hooper.

"It was a hard game," said coach Denis Edwards.

"We were short a few players - a few didn't turn up and others were injured."

He praised prop Dominic Broadhead for a good game, also taking on the unusual role for a front rower of being a jumper in the lineout.

Kemp and Hooper both ran hard with ball in hand.

"Poverty Bay really, really took it to us, and we were lucky to keep composure, especially in the last 20 minutes, with the high tackles and language," said Edwards.

"They weren't afraid to get rough. It was an eye opening experience for our guys to play Poverty Bay."

As expected, Wanganui will now play Wairarapa Bush Under 20 in the final match to decide the championship this coming Saturday.