Match Report FPC: Waikato 33 Manawatu Cyclones 24


Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have opened their 2022 Farah Palmer Cup campaign with a come from behind 33-24 victory over Manawatu Cyclones at FMG Stadium Waikato in week 1.

Waikato opened the scoring 7 minutes into the match, when Chelsea Semple put through a grubber kick for Renee Holmes to run onto. Holmes collected the ball and crossed to score the first try of the season, she was unsuccessful with the conversion as Waikato led 5-0.

However the visitors answered back with an unconverted try from Carys Dallinger to draw the game level at around the 16 minute. Dallinger put the Cyclones in front with a penalty with 11 to play in the first half.

Selica Winiata unconverted try extended the visitors lead to 10 points after she intercepted Waikato’s ball and raced 55m to score their second try of the day. 

Dallinger added another 3 points right on half time to make it 18 unanswered points after Waikato’s initial score early in the game as the Cyclones went into the break with a 5-18 lead over the home team.

In the second half it took Waikato 9 minutes to cut into Manawatu lead when Awhina Tangen-Wainohu crossed for Waikato’s second try, after she opted for a pick and go close to the line and burrowed her way over to score. Holmes this time was successful with the conversion and cut the visitors lead to 6 points.

Leata Puni Lio made it a dream debut when she crossed for her first provincial try and Waikato’s third of the day. Holmes added the extra and Waikato took back the lead 19-18 around the 54 minute mark.

However Manawatu took the lead back 4 minutes later when Dallinger was successful with another penalty shot at goal and extended that to 5 points with another successful penalty 5 minutes later as Manawatu led 19-24 with 17 minutes left on the clock..

Tangen-Wainohu smashed her way over the line for her second of the day plus Waikato's bonus point try, with 10 minutes to play to draw the game level again. Holmes added the extras to put the home team back in front 26-24.

Waikato would extend their advantage to 9 points when Rianna Aspinsall bulldozed her way over the line carrying a few defenders, Holmes conversion was again successful giving Waikato a 9 point lead with 7 minutes to play.

The score would remain 33-24 at full time with Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC opening their 2022 Farah Palmer Cup campaign with a bonus point victory to join Canterbury and Auckland at the top of the standings of the Premiership.

Waikato FPC 33 (Renee Holmes, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu 2, Leata Lio Puni, Rianna Aspinall tries; Renee Holmes 4 conversions)

Manawatu Cyclones 24 (Carys Dallinger, Selica Winiata tries; Carys Dallinger 1 conversion, 4 penalties)

HT: 5-18


Article added: Monday 18 July 2022

 

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