WHS flex muscles as busy run starts

Wanganui High School First XV had a good hit out on Saturday at the start of a busy period of inter-school and Manawatu matches.

WHS ran in eight tries to three to beat the Foxton Under 21s 52-17 in the Manawatu colts competition.

Coach Darryl Malcolm said the side was almost at full strength for the first time since their tour to Christchurch during pre-season.

"The forwards are coming together, with the newly appointed assistant coach Carl Gibson, [it's] showing in their set pieces."

Player of the day Shayden Pirikahu-Phillips grabbed a hat trick of tries, while Taylor Kirkwood got a double.

Terau Wirihana, Josh Willis and Kameli Kuruyabaki registered five pointers of their own while Sam Malcolm made six conversions.

Darryl Malcolm also singled out props Josefa Veiogo and Sean Morahan, with skipper Scott Bowater, for big games.

WHS play Hutt Valley High at 11.30am tomorrow, and the following Wednesday have another inter-school game with Wanganui City College.