Under 16s keep final hopes alive

The Manawatu under 16s beat Hawke’s Bay under 16s 28-22 to retain a good chance of a place in the Hurricanes under-16 final in Palmerston North yesterday.

A win against Poverty Bay today will be enough to qualify them for the final and set up a rematch against Wellington, who they lost to 32-5 last week.

But they were made work hard by a determined Hawke’s Bay side.

With a hefty wind at their back, things were looking good for Manawatu when halfback Kyle Rhodes (Feilding High School) scored from a quick-tap early in the match.

It got even better when Sam Stewart (Palmerston North Boys’ High School) scooted over in the left corner to put them up 12-0.

Stewart Cruden (Boys’ High) knocked over a penalty to increase their lead to 15-0.

But then Hawke’s Bay started to do a better job of controlling possession.

They scored from a line out drive and then set up camp on Manawatu’s line.

James Stratton (Boys’ High)

was yellow carded as the referee attempted to slow the flow of penalties. A Hawke’s Bay player joined him on the sidelines shortly after.

But Manawatu survived long enough for the halftime whistle.

Hawke’s Bay continued their fight back after the break adding a pair of tries to trail 18-17.

Manawatu flanker Moses Pearce (Tu Toa) sparked his side back to life with a surging run which eventually ended with a try to No 8 Michael Halatuituia.

Prop Rawiri Chambers got in on the action with a 20m burst down the touchline to put Manawatu ahead 28-17.

Hawke’s Bay had the better of the final quarter of the match, but struggled to breach the Manawatu line.

They picked up one try to close the gap, couldn’t find a way across for the matchwinner.