PLUCKY FIRST-HALF DISPLAY NOT ENOUGH FOR TRILLO METALS CANTERBURY BULLS WOMEN’S TO TOPPLE FALCONS
A brave performance from the Trillo Metals Canterbury Women’s team fell short against a powerful Akarana Falcons outfit, who dominated the second half in a 36-20 result at Ngā Puna Wai.
The rivals scored three tries apiece in a seesawing first half of the NZRL National Women’s Premiership Round 2 showdown, but the Falcons crossed four times to one after the break.
The home side was caught on their heels as Falcons lock Roimata Amosa-Tiro carved through for a 50-metre solo try in the opening minute.
The Trillo Metals Bulls struck back with their first opportunity down the other end, however, courtesy of a rampaging run by powerhouse back-rower Lupe Manu, who offloaded for Sherrane Maui to score.
A dummying Amosa-Tiro again burned Canterbury with an individual try at the 15-minute mark, but again the deficit was cut to two points via a determined close-range effort by opposite number Katey Arona, who scored under the posts.
Akarana winger Paulina Morris-Ponga’s try was negated by a sensational Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls four-pointer six minutes before halftime. After a quick interchange of passing created an overlap, halfback Bayli Rapira screwed a brilliant, angled grubber behind the defensive line for Paige Roberts to scoop up in the corner.
Within striking distance at 18-14 down at halftime, Canterbury slipped further behind as Akarana centre Paris Pickering blazed over out wide and second-rower Kaiyah Atai powered through to score.
But the Trillo Metals Bulls regrouped to close the gap to 28-20 when the Falcons were unable to clean up an awkward kick from Kyla Lynch-Brown, allowing captain Shade McGregor-Pakau to pounce for a try (pictured).
A beautifully worked backline play from Akarana all but sealed the result with nine minutes to go, fullback Shaniah Lui finishing it off. Moanekah Va’ai put an exclamation point on the Falcons’ win with a classy late try.
The Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls Women’s side hit the road for the first time this season in Round 3 of the NZRL National Women’s Premiership, taking on Auckland Vulcans at Cornwall Park next Sunday.
Akarana Falcons 36 defeated Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls Women’s 20 (Sherrane Maui, Katey Arona, Paige Roberts, Shade McGregor-Pakau tries; Caitlin Sears 2 goals) at Ngā Puna Wai, Sunday, September 15.
