Win brings little joy for Boxon boys

How do you win a game and feel like you've lost?

Whanganui Boxon coach Stewart Reweti wants his team to answer that question after a victorious start in their first-ever Manawatu premier grade game nearly came unstuck at home against Palmerston North's Kia Ora on Saturday, holding on 22-19.

Having qualified for the top grade through a draw with then-competition leaders Whiti Te Ra Brothers 1 before the nine-team league split into Premier and Senior the previous week, Reweti had been looking for a statement from their home game at Te Kura O Kokohuia.

That appeared no problem when he had to leave at halftime due to work commitments, Boxon up 16-4.

"It was like we had two games first half scored the points, second half let them in," Reweti said.

"It was not a good game, by my standards."

Calling around to get the perspective on the second half from his people, Reweti said the feedback was not favourable.

"It was not the same team that played last weekend.

"We'll get back on track, because we've got a two week break."

Boxon will play current competition leaders the Dannevirke Tigers on June 8 a team which humbled them 50-16 in late April.

That match will also be played at Te Kura O Kokohuia, as the second round draw received from the Manawatu league has Boxon playing their first two matches at home, after playing their last two round one games there.

Following that is four straight games on the road.

This weekend is trialling for the representative Mustangs team Reweti has put the names of 10 of his guys forward but said most will probably choose to stick with their club commitments.

Eventually a Central Vipers team will be chosen from the best rep players from Manawatu, Taranaki, Wellington and the Hawke's Bay.