Feilding book final showdown

The Feilding High School first XV have booked a showdown with St Paul’s Collegiate School in the final of the Central North Island competition.

Feilding beat St Peter’s School Cambridge 15-12 in a tight semifinal at Feilding on Saturday to reach the final against St Paul’s, who beat Wesley College 41–27 in the other semifinal.

Feilding led 10-7 at halftime against St Peter’s and were up 15-10 in the second half, but were under the pump for the last 10 minutes and the game ended with St Peter’s being held up over Feilding’s line.

Feilding had a lot of territory and possession in the first 50 minutes and a dominant scrum.

They suffered a big injury blow though with fullback/firstfive Drew Wild breaking his leg.

Their standouts were centre Josiah Maraku and prop Leo Wiki.

The Manawatu¯ Cyclones women’s team lost 24-12 to Wellington at the Arena in their first pre-season hit-out of the year.

Manawatu¯ had most of the possession and territory in the first half, but couldn’t convert that to points and were up just 7-0 at halftime.

Wellington brought on some big replacements in the second half, which made a difference as they scored two converted tries in the last five minutes.

Cyclones coach Fusi Feaunati was pleased with the early signs, especially from the 10 new players.

The Cyclones’ final pre-season game is against Hawke’s Bay in Napier this weekend.

The Manawatu¯ Development XV men’s team lost 40-29 to Horowhenua-ka¯ piti at Bill Brown Park, Palmerston North, in their first outing of the year.

The Development side had minimal buildup, so coach Blair van Stipriaan was pleased they scored five good tries, but said they didn’t have intensity on defence.

The Development XV’S final pre-season game is against Wairarapa Bush in Dannevirke on Saturday.

Van Stipriaan also coaches the Palmerston North Boys’ High School first XV and they have their Hurricanes knockout match against Hastings Boys’ High School in Hastings on Saturday as well.