Favourites ease into youth nationals

Favourites ease into youth nationals

No-one told Central Vipers they were supposed to roll over on Day One of the Got A Trade? Got It Made! National Youth Tournament in Rotorua.

On a day when the competition favourites were generally drawn against the lesser lights and expected to ease their way into the week, Akarana and Counties Manukau sides quickly established themselves as the teams to beat.

But the Falcons had their hands full, as they began the defence of their 17s crown against the Mid Central side that claimed the wooden spoon in last year’s final standings.

After jumping out to an early double-figure advantage, Akarana arrived at half-time only 16-10 ahead, but eased away with the next two tries after the restart, before eventually prevailing 36-22.

It was an encouraging display from the Vipers, which suggested they could be much better than their 2014 finish as the week progresses.

But Akarana were far more convincing in their 15s opener, overpowering Northern Swords 54-18 and scoring 10 tries in the process.

Michah Marsh had a hat-trick of tries for the winners, while Regan McClennan was on target with the boot, converting seven.

Counties Manukau finished runners-up in both grades 12 months ago and showed they will be tough to beat again, accounting for South Island Scorpions 30-12 in the 15s and Northern Swords 22-4 in the 17s.

With both Auckland Vulcans sides also winning first up, the semi-finals are already looming as a city-slickers benefit.

But if their 17s side were heroic, the Vipers - drawn from Taranaki/Hawke’s Bay/Manawatu/Wanganui districts - were also involved in the day’s most competitive affair, eventually losing 28-22 to Wellington Orcas in the younger division.

The Orcas scored the game’s first 12 points and enjoyed a 28-8 margin midway through the second half, but had to sweat on a comeback that saw their rivals score 14 unanswered points down the stretch.

In the final fixture of the day, homeside Wai-Coa-Bay Colts fired a warning shot to their more fancied 17s rivals, trouncing Wellington Orcas 42-16, with Aublix Tawha and Dylan Clark both grabbing try doubles.

ENDS

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