Match Report FPC: Hawke's Bay Tui 10 Waikato 14


Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC had to come from behind to overcome a spirited Hawke’s Bay Tui 14-10 at Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park, to remain at the top of the Premiership standings after 3 weeks of the Farah Palmer Cup. 

Centre, Rina Paraone, led the team out onto the park in her milestone match. Paraone celebrated her 35th match for Waikato, a special milestone for the women’s game, as it is effectively the equivalent of 50 matches for the men’s game.

Waikato’s scrums were dominant in the first half and the team spent plenty of time in the home team's half but weren’t able to capitalise on a majority of their opportunities.

It took 24 minutes for the first points to be scored after lock, Silia Sakalia, crashed over under the posts to score her first try for Waikato, after debuting last week. Renee Holmes added the extras and Waikato led 7-0.

The Tui answered back five minutes later when Kathleen Brown crossed for the home side. Krysten Cottrell was also successful with the conversion and the game was level 7 all after 29 minutes.

Waikato would have a couple of opportunities before the break but weren’t able to execute, as both sides went into half time at 7 all.

In the second half, Waikato gave away a penalty right out in front of the posts and Cottrell opted for the shot at goal to go in front 10-7 after 51 minutes.

Cottrell missed a crucial penalty in a kickable position with 15 minutes remaining to help extend their lead. 

The home team was reduced to 14 players for the remainder of the match when Teilah Ferguson was shown a yellow card for an intentional knock down. Waikato opted for a scrum a few phases later replacement Caitlin Crozier went in under the posts to put Waikato in front. Holmes nailed the conversion from out in front and Waikato led 14-10 with just over 6 minutes to play.

Hawke’s Bay Tui had an opportunity to attack late in the match but Waikato’s defence were able to hold them out and claim a narrow 14-10 victory in Hastings to remain unbeaten in the Farah Palmer Cup.

Hawke’s Bay Tui 10 (Kathleen Brown tries; Krysten Cottrell 1 conversion, 1 penalty)

Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC 14 (Silia Sakalia, Caitlin Crozier tries; Renee Holmes 2 conversion)

HT: 7-7


Article added: Monday 31 July 2023

 

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