Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have suffered their first loss of the 2022 Farah Palmer Cup going down 29-27 to Canterbury in a nail biter at Orangetheory Stadium in round 5.

Co-Captain Renee Holmes opened the scoring in the match with a penalty shot at goal around the 13 minute mark but the home team hit straight back scoring the first try through Charntay Poko on 5 minutes later. Kendra Cocksedge added the extras and Canterbury led 7-3.

Canterbury would extend their lead when Martha Mataele finished off a breakout by the home team from their own half. Cocksedge this time was unsuccessful from the sideline and Canterbury led 12-3 after 26 minutes.

Holmes slotted another 3 points from out in front, thanks to another penalty given away by Canterbury. Before Mataele scored her second of the match after finding gaps in the Waikato defence. Cocksedge converted the try and Canterbury had a 13 point lead over Waikato approaching half time.

But Waikato would reduce the deficit to just 6 points, after Cheyelle Robins-Reti put in a grubber kick and was able to regather and score Waikato’s first try just before the break. Holmes added the extras and Waikato would trail 19-13 at the break.

Tanya Kalounivale would open the scoring in the second half after her pick and go drove over for Waikato’s second try. Holmes again was successful with the extras and Waikato hit the front for the first time 19-20 around the 48 minute mark.

Kendra Cocksedge’s try would put the home team back in front 24-20 approaching the midway point of the second half but Waikato was able to answer back and score their third try through another prop, as Awhina Tangen-Wainohu would cross for her fourth try of the season. Holmes was again successful with the conversion and Waikato had a 3 point lead with 16 to play.

But unfortunately with 3 minutes remaining Cockedge was able to score her second try of the match at a crucial time to put the home team back in front and hold onto a 2 point margin to win 29-27 in Christchurch.

Canterbury 29 (Charntay Poko, Martha Mataele 2, Kendra Cocksedge 2, Kendra Cocksedge 2 conversions)

Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC 27 (Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Tanya Kalounivale, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu tries; Renee Holmes 3 conversions, 2 penalties)

HT: 19-13

Article added: Monday 15 August 2022