Extraordinary comebacks seemed to be the norm at Cooks Gardens on Saturday as Wanganui Development roared back from a 19-point deficit into the wind to beat Wairarapa Bush B 32-29 in an RDO Cup game where the pendulum swung wildly throughout.
Wanganui made the perfect start with winger Rhys Wylie landing a penalty, then snatching a Wairarapa chip kick out of midair and wrong footing the cover defence to score.
But from 10-0, it all went wrong as Wanganui began playing without possession and territory. Wairarapa worked forward for halfback Joe Thompson to land a penalty, then lock Bodean McShane barged his way over after his team had multiple attempts at the line.
Both sides were guilty of costly errors when they attempted to kick or spread the ball, as Wairarapa winger fullback Tom Mueli intercepted and sprinted away before linking with winger Tavita Isaac for the try.
Blocking another kick saw them sweep down again and No8 Kieran O'Brien dived over in the corner.
Down 22-10 at the break, Wairarapa pressed their advantage as hooker Zac Wilkie scored early in the second half from a lineout, with Thompson landing his second consecutive sideline conversion by deflection off the right-hand post.
But just like the Heartland game, Wanganui were able to call on talented resources from the bench. Josaia Navitio came on as first-five and Grayson Tihema entered the game at fullback while taking over the goal kicking.
Granted a licence to run, both were outstanding as Wanganui suddenly woke up when the players remembered how to play their game.
Assisted by Wairarapa infringements, which led to yellow cards for second-five Pua Taffa and reserve forward Sam Barbour, Wanganui cut loose and suddenly the visitors could not force turnovers.
Navitio was hit hard from an offside player close to the line, but bounced straight up to take the tap and burrow over.
Second-five Mohi Waihi likewise slipped near the tryline, but recovered his feet and went himself, parting the defence to dive across.
Navitio made another midfield burst and beat two tacklers before finding reserve winger Jaye Flaws, who showed great upper-body strength to force the ball down under the posts.
Tied 29-29, Moli Sagapolutele all but scored from a scything 50m burst and Wairarapa were pinged at the breakdown, with Tihema raising the flags with eight minutes remaining.
The visitors desperately clawed their way back to Wanganui's line, but Tihema made a try-saving tackle in one corner and Hillis stole a lineout against the throw on the other to see the development team home.
But even here there were injury concerns for the wider Heartland squad as winger Aaron Vadiga went off from a head knock.