
Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC showed their strength as they mounted another come from behind victory to beat Counties Manukau Heat 13-5 at St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton for week 4 of the Farah Palmer Cup.
A messy first half of turnover ball and costly errors from both sides meant that it took 38 minutes for the first points to be scored. Waikato would be the first on the scoreboard, after bouncing her first penalty shot off the posts, Renee Holmes, would be given another opportunity in a handier position and this time would not miss, giving Waikato a 3-0 lead.
However the visitors struck back quickly as Jaymie Kolose found some space and was able to score in the corner. Mererengi Paul was unable to convert the try but Counties Manukau Heat went into the halftime break with a 5-3 lead.
In the second half the errors and turnovers continued to plague both teams' attacks and again the points would come late. With 12 minutes to play, Kennedy Simon would break through the Counties Manukau defence, she would be brought down within five of the try line. Toka Natua with a huge leg drive from the pick and go would barge her way over to score the go ahead try. Holmes would add the extras and Waikato would take a 10-5 lead.
Close to full time Waikato would make it a two score game, when Holmes was successful with another penalty to make it 13-5. The score would remain unchanged, as Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC would complete another comeback to remain undefeated at the top of the Premiership in the Farah Palmer Cup.
Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC 13 (Toka Natua try; Renee Holmes 1 conversion, 2 penalties)
Counties Manukau Heat 5 (Jaymie Kolose try)
HT 3-5
Article added: Monday 07 August 2023
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