Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have secured a home semi-final in the Farah Palmer Cup after thrashing Auckland Storm 41-5 in a bonus point victory at FMG Stadium Waikato in Round 6.

Ariana Bayler opened the scoring with a penalty shot at goal after 9 minutes to give Waikato a 3 point lead. Grace Houpapa-Barrett would score the first try of the game from a pick and go close to the line, Bayler would add the extras and Waikato would stretch their lead to 10 points after 18 minutes.

Waikato’s second try was from another pick and go, close to the line this time with Esther Tilo-Faiaoga driving over to score. Bayler again would be successful with the conversion and Waikato led 17-0 after 30 minutes.

Just before halftime Bayler would miss a penalty shot at goal and Waikato would head into the break with a 17 nil lead keeping Auckland scoreless.

In the second half, Grace Houpapa-Barrett would score her second try in a similar fashion as she did with her first try. Bayler this time was unsuccessful with the conversion and Waikato led 22-0 after 55 minutes.

Esther Tilo-Faiaoga would also score her second the same way she scored her first with a pick and go 5 metres out and would twist and turn to score. Bayler would add the extras and Waikato’s lead was now 29 points after 59 minutes.

Auckland would score their first try through Angelica Mekemeke Vahai in the corner at the midway point of the second half. Sophie Fisher would miss the conversion and Waikato would 29-5.

In the final 15 minutes Montessa Tairakena would score a brace and Bayler would convert 1 out of 2 conversions to push Waikato’s score to 41-5 securing a bonus point victory and locking up a home semi-final spot in the process.

Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC 41 (Grace Houpapa-Barrett 2, Esther Tilo-Faiaoga 2, Montessa Tairakena 2 tries; Ariana Bayler 4 conversion, 1 penalty)

Auckland Storm 5 (Angelica Mekemeke Vahai try)

HT 17-0 

Article added: Monday 22 August 2022