Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have come up short in the Farah Palmer Cup semi-final after going down 21-26 to Auckland Storm at FMG Stadium Waikato.

Renee Holmes opened the scoring in the match 19 minutes in as she was successful with a penalty shot at goal. But Auckland replied with two tries, the first was a converted try from Chryss Viliko, with Ruahei Demant adding the extras. 

Then minutes later Mele Hufanga scored an unconverted try as Auckland Storm led 12-3 after 28 minutes.

The score would remain the same at halftime as the visitors went into the break with a 9  point lead.

In the second half Holmes made it a 3 point game after converting 2 successful penalties 10 minutes into the second half.

Carla Hohepa try would put Waikato back into the lead 64 minutes into the match but Auckland quickly replied with 2 quick tries the first was scored by Katelyn Vaha’akolo, the second scored by Patrica Malepio. Both tries were converted by Sophie Fisher and Auckland had a 26-14 lead with 6 minutes to play.

Unfortunately Waikato did score right on full time when Esther Tilo-Faiaoga crossed the try line, Holmes was successful with the conversion but it was too little too late as Auckland ended the game winners 26-21.

Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC 21 (Carla Hohepa, Esther Tilo-Faiaoga tries; Renee Holmes 1 conversion, 3 penalties)

Auckland Storm 26 (Chryss Viliko, Mele Hufunga, Katelyn Vaha’kolo, Patricia Maliepo tries; Ruahei Demant 1 conversion, Sophie Fisher 2 conversions)

HT: 3-12 

Article added: Monday 05 September 2022