Matchday Scoring Highlights: Wellington Centurions (50) v Whanganui (28)

The two teams met at Cooks Gardens, Whanganui, in their annual Heartland Championship pre-season fixture.

In fine conditions, the Centurions won 50-28, after leading 22-14 at halftime. They won eight tries to four. This was the Centurions’ sixth straight win over Whanganui.

Match highlights here:

The Centurions made a fast start, with early tries to Petone hooker Kaleb Saxon and Paremata-Plimmerton halfback Esi Komaisavai. The Butcher Boys came back to score twice and lead 14-12. The Centurions scrum then laid on two tries late in the first half to Johnsonville left wing Jacob Kennedy.

The Centurions went further ahead early int he second half with a finish to Wellington fullback Luke Kapene. Whanganui kept in touch, but after both sides emptied their enlarged benches, the Centurions pulled clear with two strikes set up up deep inside their own half. They later finished the scoring through Petone flanker Connor Tuifao.

The Centurions move on to play the Wellington Māori side this coming weekend at Rugby League Park, whilst Whanganui open their Heartland Championship campaign at home against North Otago.