The front-runners for the Don Broughton Shield and Saracens Cup have been identified after five fixtures played in the 2022 Hurricanes Under 16 Tournament in Wellington today. In Division A, Manawatu defeated Wellington Black by 36 points to 14, while in Division B Poverty Bay swept aside Horowhenua Kapiti by 61 points to 12. Both sides have secured two wins from two in the competition and lead their respective divisions in terms of competition points, with the final round of qualifying fixtures for Finals Day (on Thursday), to be played tomorrow.

(Wairarapa-Bush won a keenly contested match against Ngati Porou East Coast today)

In today’s other Division A match, Hawkes Bay (the defending champions) were unable to overcome Wellington Gold, falling to their second loss of the competition by 13 points to 20. In Division B, Ngati Porou East Coast fought valiantly against Wairarapa Bush and despite losing by 12 points to 30, lost the ball over the try-line in a number of occasions in the second half of their match. In a Division B non-competition game, Whanganui defeated Hawkes Bay Development by 17 points to 10.

(Poverty Bay have exceeded 50 points against their opponents twice in the 2022 Tournament)

Tomorrow’s matches offer a preview to Thursday’s “Grand Finals” at NZCIS, with Manawatu playing Wellington Gold (who is also undefeated after two rounds of competition), while Poverty Bay will play Wairarapa Bush (who is also undefeated after two rounds of competition) in a non-competition match. All other things being equal, these are the four teams which will compete for the Don Broughton Shield and Saracens Cup on Thursday in Upper Hutt.