Waitomo Group: Waikato Women have won the J.J Stewart Trophy for the first time and successfully defended the Chiefs Country Cup, with an outstanding performance to beat Counties Manukau Heat 57-29 at Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe in round 6 of the Farah Palmer Cup.

Waikato opened the scoring in the 7th minute, when Ariana Bayler crashed over under the posts. From around 10 metres out, Grace Houpapa-Barrett, with a pick and go drew in the defenders, that allowed space for Bayler to run through and score. Semple added the extras and Waikato led 7-nil.

The home team struck back five minutes later when Mafi Pasikala barged her way over to score behind the posts. Hazel Tubic drew the game level 7-all with the conversion.

Counties Manukau took the lead with a long range try finished off by Jaymie Kolose. Tubic was again successful with the conversion and the Heat led 14-7 after 17 minutes.

Brilliant support play from Waikato led to their next try that was finished off by Chyna Hohepa. Semple would add the extras and the game would be tied again at 14-all.

Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu would use her strength to force her way over for Waikato’s third try, with a pick and go close to the line. Semple’s conversion would see Waikato take a 7 point advantage after 22 minutes played.

Waikato’s bonus point try was scored by Semple a few minutes later, after she pushed off a few tacklers to go over. Unfortunately she would not be able to convert her own try but Waikato led 26-14 with 14 minutes left in the half.

The home team were able to make it a 4 point game, as they scored an unconverted try and a penalty right on half time, as Waitomo Group: Waikato Women into the break leading 26-22.

Mia Anderson’s try would extend Waikato's advantage early in the second half. Houpapa-Barrett would again draw in a few defenders, to open up a hole for Anderson to go through. She would then beat a few defenders to score under the posts. Semple would convert the try from out front and Waikato led 33-22.

Anderson would repay the favour to Houpapa-Barrett for her to score. Anderson with a strong run would get close to Counties line. She would then pop a ball to Houpapa-Barrett to barge her way over. Semple added the extras and Waikato had a commanding lead 40-22 after 48 minutes.

Counties Manukau were again successful with another long range try that was finished off by Yurina Shinno. Tubic was successful with the conversion and the home trailed by 11 points with 13 minutes remaining.

However Waitomo Group: Waikato Women wouldn’t take the foot off the throat as they then scored a further three tries with Lela Ieremia, Hohepa second and Montessa Tairakena all scoring helping Waikato to a 57-29 bonus point win, booking themselves a spot in the Farah Palmer Cup semi-finals.        

Counties Manukau 29 (Mafi Pasikala, Jaymie Kolose, Sariyah Paitai, Yurina Shinno tries; Hazel Tubic 3 conversions, 1 penalty)    

Waitomo Group: Waikato Women 57 (Ariana Bayler, Chyna Hohepa 2, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Chelsea Semple, Mia Anderson, Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Lela Ieremia, Montessa Tairakena tries; Chelsea Semple 5 conversions)

HT: 22-26

Article added: Monday 16 September 2024