Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have continued their undefeated start to the season after claiming a hard fought 17-10 victory over Bay of Plenty Volcanix at FMG Stadium Waikato in week 4 of the Farah Palmer Cup.

The visitors opened the scoring first when Volcanix winger, Olive Watherston, crossed around the 16 minute mark for the first try of the day. Kalyn Takitimu-Cook was unsuccessful with the conversion as Bay of Plenty led 5-0.

Waikato replied 9 minutes later, when Cheyelle Robins-Reti was able to cut through the Bay of Plenty defence, after drawing the defence she gave a pass to Renee Holmes in support and she scored Waikato’s first try. Unfortunately Holmes was unable to convert her own try as the game was levelled at 5 all.

With 5 remaining in the half, Tanya Kalounivale, was able to rumble her way over the line to score the home team’s second try of the game. Holmes again was unsuccessful and Waikato hit the lead 10-5.

There would be no change to the score and Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC would take a 5 point lead into the halftime break.

Solid defence in the second half meant there wasn’t much scoring but with 12 minutes to play co-captain, Kennedy Simon, was able to barge her way over the line to make it a two score game. This time Holmes was successful with the conversions and Waikato had a 12 point lead.

However the Bay of Plenty Volcanix made it a nervous 6 minutes for home fans after Myracle Monga try made it a 7 point game. 

But Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC were able to hold on and pick up their third win of the season to retain the Chiefs Country Cup in their first defence and now only have to record a victory over Counties Manuaku to hold onto it for another season.

Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC 17 (Renee Holmes, Tanya Kalounivale, Kennedy Simon tries; Holmes 1 conversion)

Bay of Plenty Volcanix 10 (Oliver Watherston, Myracle Monga tries) 

HT: 10-5 

Article added: Monday 08 August 2022