Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC are one step closer to booking themselves a spot in the Farah Palmer Cup playoffs, after a nail biting 34-27 victory over Wellington Pride in week 5 of the Farah Palmer Cup.

Wellington were first on the scoreboard within the first 5 minutes, with an Amanda Rasch penalty after Waikato was penalised in the kickable position for the visitors.

Waikato drew the game up 5 minutes later when Ariana Bayler was successful with her own penalty kick at goal. Bayler was again involved in the next score for Waikato when she sniped from the base of the ruck and scored under the posts to give Waikato the lead. She was also successful with the conversion of her own try and Waikato led by 7 points 17 minutes into the match.

The game was again drawn level at 10 all after Wellington winger Ayesha Leti-I’iga danced her way through the defence to score under the posts. Rasch added the extras and the game was level around the midway point of the first half.

Wellington then took back the lead with another successful Rasch penalty kick with 9 minutes remaining in the half. But closing in on halftime, Tanya Kalounivale drove over the line next to the post for Waikato’s second try of the match. Bayler was successful with the conversion as Waikato took a 4 point lead into the break.

Bayler extended Waikato’s lead to 7 points 12 minutes into the second half after another successful penalty shot at goal. 

The seesaw match continued as Wellington again drew level with a try to Dhy Faleafaga. Elizabeth Goulden took over the kicking duties and was successful with her conversion from out wide to make the score 20 all with 12 to play.

Kelsey Teneti put Waikato back in front, after some brilliant attacking from the home team. Renee Holmes put a grubber kick through and the ball rolled into the end goal and just before the Wellington player could ground the ball, Teneti dived on the ball to put the home team back in front. Bayler’s successful afternoon with the boot continued as she converted the try and Waikato led 27-20 with 7 minutes remaining.

But again Wellington was able to comeback and draw the game level with Leti-I’iga second try of the day. Goulden’s successful conversion had the visitors level at 27 all as time was expiring. 

The referee said there was still time for the kick off as the game looked to be heading to overtime. Waikato were able to get the ball back from the kickoff and then were able to drive down the field and with the final play of the game, Mia Anderson, was able to fight her way over the line to score Waikato’s bonus point try and steal the victory after the hooter.

Waitomo Group: Waikato: 34 (Ariana Bayler, Tanya Kalounivale, Kelsey Teneti, Mia Anderson tries; Ariana Bayler 3 conversion, 2 penalties, Chelsea Alley 1 conversion) 

Wellington Pride: 27 (Ayesha Leti-I’iga 2, Dhys Faleafaga tries; Amanda Rasch 1 conversion, 2 penalties, Elizabeth Goulden 2 conversions)

HT: 17-13

Article added: Monday 16 August 2021