WHS try fest kicks off season in fine style

Wanganui High School 1st XV had a big winning start to their 2013 regular season after a 69-0 thumping of Te Kawau in Rongotea on Saturday.

Held during Te Kawau's club day the visitors ran in 11 tries, with Kameli Kuruyabaki scoring a hat-trick, while Taylor Kirkwood, Scott Bowater and Shayden Phillips all grabbed doubles.

Te Rau Wirihana and Vilimoni Koroi got the other tries, with Koroi also making four conversions while Sam Malcolm banged over three.

Cade Robinson was player of the match.

Coach Darryl Malcolm said it proved a rewarding day: "Not only did the boys win but after the game an announcement was made that five have been selected for the Manawatu academy.

"[The selections are ] exciting for the boys and school, now providing another pathway for year 13 boys for both educational and sporting pursuits."

Bowater, Sam Malcolm, Jesse Taupa'u-Rogan, Jack van Bussell, and TeRau Wirihana all got the nod.

Darryl Malcolm said slick passing and fitness told on Te Kawau, whose home supporters respectfully clapped WHS from the field.

"Te Kawau came out firing and held their heads up right to the end. Wasn't to be their day though, maybe under-estimating the younger side.

"After next week's game [I'm] predicting the team to go to Division 1."