Under 18's finish in style

WHS student Osborne able to breach the defence of the Wairarapa Bush U18 team in Masterton on Saturday 1 October.

The Air Chathams Wanganui Under 18s wrapped up a satisfying season with their second straight win on the road, beating Wairarapa Bush U18 47-34 in Masterton on Saturday.

For the Wanganui players, the curtain raiser game to the Mitre 10 Heartland clash at Memorial Park was their first time playing on an artificial turf.

"There was a really high pace, high tempo on that surface," said coach Jerome McCrea.

Winger Duan Marino scored a hat trick of tries, while fullback Adam Boult got a double.

Centre Cody Hemi, winger Luke Foster, halfback Griffin Culver and flanker Dylan Bowater scored the other tries.

McCrea said the midfield trio of Hemi, first-five Mitchell Millar and second-five Blair Osborne were able to breach the defence all game, once the pack got them some go forward.

Foster and Boult also made some great runs.

The win completed a good HYRC Series for Wanganui, who only lost to the Wellington Samoans and had back-to-back road wins over Poverty Bay and Wairarapa Bush, after the home victory over Horowhenua-Kapiti as well as beating Thames Valley in preseason.

"That was the goal right through - to try and beat these Heartland teams," said McCrea.

"Really good end to the season. The boys are stoked."

By Jared Smith
Wanganui Chronicle