Horo-Kapiti hold off Wanganui comeback

5.00pm

HOROWHENUA-KAPITI 24 WANGANUI 17

Horowhenua-Kapiti survived a comeback from Wanganui to win their NPC third division rugby match at Levin today.

Horowhenua-Kapiti desperately wanted to score four tries and so secure a bonus point, thus increasing their chances for a home semifinal, but spent most of the second half defending.

They started the game as if the bonus point would not be a problem and led 24-0 after 30 minutes following tries to Matthew Oldridge, David Palu and Ashley Drake.

But in the second half, tries to Wanganui's Peter Booth, Jesse Westerlund and Darrin Balcombe closed the difference and left the visitors with a chance of pulling off a win.

Disappointing for Horowhenua-Kapiti is the fact several of their players elect not to play on Sundays for personal reasons and there will be several changes to the side to meet King Country in their semifinal at Taupo next weekend.

Horowhenua-Kapiti 24 (Matthew Oldridge, David Palu, Ashley Drake tries; Dion Nepia pen, 3 con)

Wanganui 17 (Peter Booth, Jesse Westerlund, Darrin Balcombe tries; Leon Mason con)

Halftime: 24-5

- HOROWHENUA-KAPITI CHRONICLE (LEVIN)