Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have made it two from two in the 2022 Farah Palmer Cup after beating Wellington Pride 23-16 at Jerry Collins Stadium in Porirua.

Chelsea Semple led the side out for her 50th Waikato match becoming the second ever Waikato women’s player to achieve this milestone. Joining Victoria Makea who became the first women’s player to achieve this feat last season.

Wellington Pride opened the scoring with a penalty after Waikato was penalised for being offside. Thamsyn Newton was successful with the penalty shot at goal to give the home side a 3 nil lead after 2 minutes.

Waikato answered back 13 minutes later when Wellington was penalised for being offside at the lineout. Renee Holmes pointed to the posts and was successful with her penalty shot at goal as she drew the game level.  

After the midway point of the first half, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu scored her third try of the season when she drove across the line after a pick and go to put Waikato in front for the first time in the match. Holmes added the extras and Waikato led 10-3 after 23 minutes.

The Pride made it a 2 point game when their winger, Ayesha Leti-l’iga, found some space to cross for the home side's first try. Newton was unsuccessful with the conversion as Waikato led 10-8 with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. 

Holmes extended the lead back to 5 points when she was successful with a penalty shot at goal at the 34 minute mark, after Wellington was penalised for being off their feet at ruck time.

However the home team made it a 2 point game again at half time after Newton was successful with a penalty shot at goal after Waikato were penalised for the same infringement as the hooter sounded. 

In the second half it took 13 minutes for Waikato to extend their advantage. Chelsea Semple with a show and go, spotted a gap and accelerated through. She then offloaded to Holmes in support who would cross for Waikato’s second try. Holmes would convert her own try and Waikato led 20-11.

Waikato would extend their advantage to 12 points after Wellington were again penalised for being offside. Holmes added another 3 points taking her total to 18 points on the day, as Waikato led 23-11 with 23 minutes to play.

Wellington struck back 7 minutes later when Leti-I’iga crossed for her second try of the day. Newton was unsuccessful from the sideline as Wellington made it a 7 point game with 16 minutes left in the match. 

However the Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC team defence held on to record their second straight victory in the Farah Palmer Cup taking them to second in the standings after 3 weeks.

Wellington Pride 16 (Ayesha Leti-l’iga 2 tries; Thamsyn Newton  2 penalties)

Waikato FPC 23 (Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Renee Holmes tries; Renee Holmes 2 conversions, 3 penalties) 

HT l 11-13

Article added: Monday 01 August 2022