Manawatu Development clinched a place in the final of the Hurricanes Development Competition with a comprehensive 31-17 victory over Hawke's Bay on the weekend. The final between Manawatu and Wellington will feature as the curtain-raiser to the Turbos v Bay of Plenty Air New Zealand Cup fixture this coming Friday 16th October.
The Hurricanes Development Competition comprises of teams from Manawatu, Wellington, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki who have played each other home and away over the last 2 months. The games provide valuable game time and player development for Air New zealand Cup squad players who are not regularly in the playing 22, and for up and coming local players looking to challenge for selection at the top level.
The competition has been close fought, with the final points standings after the six games being: Wellington 24; Manawatu 16; Hawke's Bay 10; Taranaki 10. Manawatu needed to beat Hawke's Bay in the last game of the competition round in order to secure a place in the final. Loose forward Callum Gibbins scored two trys, with further trys to lock Lisiate Fa'aoso, center Caleb Kahupukoro and fullback Casey Stone ensuring the bonus point win. Ist 5/8 Brad truesdale kicked 3 conversions. The Manawatu team is coached by John Cruden, Rhys Archibald and Bruce Belgrave. The manager is Damon Durie.
The Hurricanes Development Final commences at 5:00pm on Friday 16th October at FMG Stadium, followed by Manawatu Turbos v Bay of Plenty Steamers at 7:35pm. Gates open at 4:30pm. Colin Cooper and Jono Phillips from the Hurricanes will present the Hurricanes development Shield to the winning team.
