Hurricanes U16 Finals Day: Wellington teams win titles

Wellington have defended their title for the second time taking out the Hurricanes U16 tournament in Ruatoria, with Wellington Development beating last year’s champions Poverty Bay today.

Wellington played well in hot conditions at Whakarua Park beating Hawke’s Bay comfortably 35-10 in the Pool A final to take out the Don Broughton Shield for the third year in a row.

Hawke’s Bay stepped up in the second half but it wasn't enough to climb on top of a very skilled and strong Wellington side who had a good lead at halftime.

In Pool B, defending champions Poverty Bay went down to the Wellington Development side 15-13.

Poverty Bay had the better of the game and were leading 13-8 deep into the match.

But an injury break in which Poverty Bay prop James Higgins was stretchered off the field, allowed Wellington to re-group and draw level with a late try and then kicked the winning conversion at the end.

The East Coast Rugby Union ran the tournament very well with excellent hospitality, which impressed the Hurricanes Youth Council’s Gordon Noble-Campbell in the final presentation.

Next year’s tournament will be held in Hawke’s Bay, with both Wellington sides looking to defend their titles.

Thursday (Day 4) results:

Pool A Final:
Wellington 35 vs Hawke's Bay 10

Pool B Final:
Wellington Development 15 vs Poverty Bay 13

Other matches:

Pool A 3v4:
Taranaki 30 vs Manawatu 25

Pool B:
Horowhenua/Kapiti 29 vs East Coast 26
Wairarapa Bush had a win over Wanganui (Score TBC)?

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Day 3 Update: Rest Day for teams

All teams and referees have a lay-day today before the respective finals tomorrow.Due to the weather playing its part, as it has done all tournament, the teams have an opportunity to do some sight seeing around the East Coast and Poverty Bay and experience some of the pristine beaches in the area.

Today is also an opportunity for others to relax after two jammed-packed days of entertaining rugby.

However, come Thursday, Wellington have a massive opportunity to win their third consecutive tournament when they face Hawke's Bay in the final on Thursday morning. Both teams have won 2 from 2.

In Pool B, Poverty Bay are also looking to claim victory for the second year in a row against Wellington Development – these sides are also unbeaten in two days.

Thursday's finals:

Pool A:

1v2: Wellington vs Hawkes Bay, 11am Whakarua Park # 1

2v3: Manawatu vs Taranaki, 10am, Whakarua Park # 2

Pool B:

Winner B1 vs Winner B2 Poverty Bay vs Wellington Development, 9:30am, Whakarua Park # 1

Second B1 vs Second B2

TBC

Third B1 vs Third B2

TBC

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Day Two round-up

In cooler conditions than yesterday, Wellington and Hawke's Bay remain unbeaten in Pool A on Day 2 of the Hurricanes U16 tournament in Ruatoria.

Wellington smashed Taranaki on the main ground, although Taranaki played better rugby in the second half. But it was too little too late, with Hawke's Bay beating Manawatu in a tight battle.

Wanganui, Wellington Development and Poverty Bay secured wins over East Coast, Wairarapa Bush and Horowhenua/Kapiti respectively in Pool B.

Wellington and Poverty Bay scored over 50 points in their wins.

Wellington and Hawke's Bay will face off in the tournament final on Thursday on the main ground with Wellington Development likely to face Wanganui in the Pool B final.

Again, the tournament referees continued to stamp their authority with 5 cards given today including a red card against a Poverty Bay player for a dangerous tackle. However that player has been given the all clear to play the final game of the tournament on Thursday.

Tonight tournament teams, coaches and referees enjoyed a meal at the hall at Whakarua Park with Hurricanes and Hurricanes and Ricoh Wellington wing Matt Procter spoke to the large group. A Hurricanes management representative showed a slide show to the players about the high performance selection process.

All teams will have a day off tomorrow before finals on Thursday.

Day 2 results:

Pool A

Wellington 61 vs Taranaki 14

Hawkes Bay 16 vs Manawatu 6

Pool B

Poverty Bay 57 vs Horowhenua/Kapiti 5

Wellington Development 34 vs Wairarapa Bush 7

Wanganui 28 vs East Coast 22


Thursday's finals (TBC):

Pool A

Wellington vs Hawke's Bay

Pool B

Wellington Development vs Poverty Bay

Day 1

Day 1 of the Hurricanes U16 tournament played in Ruatoria produced high scoring and entertaining matches.

Played in hot weather, the large crowds enjoyed what they saw at Whakarua Park. ?

Wellington and Hawke's Bay were winners in Pool A with Poverty Bay, Wanganui and Wellington Development were winners in Pool B.

Wellington's A and Development side and Poverty Bay scored over 50 points, with Taranaki and Horowhenua/Kapiti were just pipped in their matches.

All referees bar one had yellow cards in their matches mostly for foul play, a total of seven all up.

Day 1 Results:

Pool A:

Wellington 61 vs Manawatu 17
Hawkes Bay 18 vs Taranaki 17

Pool B:

Wellington Development 83 vs East Coast 0
Wanganui 27 vs Horowhenua/Kapiti 27
Poverty Bay 52 vs Wairarapa Bush 10

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