While at times the all-new Wanganui backline looked like fumbling teenagers on their first date, they were far more effective than the Thames Valley outside backs who were like mail-order brides that don't speak the same language.
If anything, it was Wanganui's own achilles heels which kept Thames Valley in the game until the final quarter when the sinbinnings of prop Kieran Ramage and Adams removed them from contention, while Wanganui reserve winger Robert Hughes also saw yellow in the dying minutes.
The hosts' lineout remains unable to gel as Karl Parker's throws became a lottery at the back, when they were straight.
Wanganui's kickers in halfback Lindsay Horrocks, first-five Areta Lama and winger Zyon Hekenui have that 'tortured genius' quality you praise them in one breath and curse them the next.
Far too many tactical chips went straight to Thames Valley's back three to run forward while missed touch-finders cost crucial territory.
Nonetheless, until he came off with a bruised hip, it was Horrocks' impetuous nature that guided his team and led directly to two of Wanganui's tries.
A screwed scrum by Thames Valley isolating the set backline made Horrocks' dash blindside, which Rowe carried on, then on the next phase Lama broke through to bring Wanganui to the line.
After No8 Lasa Ulukuta settled the drive to 5m out, Thames Valley were stretched and Naqiso crossed unopposed after 13 minutes.
In the 60th minute, with Thames Valley were penalised right in front of the sticks, Horrocks made the gutsy decision to take a quick tap and spread to centre Ace Malo, who twisted through two tacklers to score.
On both occasions, Hekenui nailed the sideline conversion by landing the ball just over the crossbar five kicks from six attempts making a profitable day.
'That's what I like about Lindsay he backs himself," said a satisfied Rowe after the game.
"The wins we've had, the boys have clambered back and hung on and I think it's good character."
Still, with the mammoth task of heading down to Oamaru to face North Otago this Saturday, Rowe said there remains plenty to work on.
"Our mistakes are keeping teams [in contention], and we can't build pressure."
There was no luck needed in Wanganui's third try with four minutes left as fullback Jason Temara slipped out of a tackle to create the overlap, then spread to Hekenui who drew the last line and sent reserve lock Sonny Woodmass over untouched in a smartly worked play.
Thames Valley's best were rampaging No8 Brett Ranga, while halfback David Bason was a real handful scoring Thames Valley's try right on halftime from a 5m corner scrum where he went himself on a blindside with no wingers and just eluded Rowe's grasp to dot down.
Wanganui's lineout became noticeably more settled when Woodmass entered the fray, and coach Hoskin said it is either him or lock Nick Cranston who handles the calls.
"It's a timing thing, but that's why Robert [Lavin] has come in, to shore up that end, while Darrell [Hoskin forwards coach] keeps working with KP, Nick and Vaan."
Turn to Page 30 for more Heartland recap, the Wanganui Under 20s and the Development XV's RDO Shield victory.
