TRILLO METALS CANTERBURY BULLS WOMEN’S OUTPLAYED BY CLASSY VULCANS IN AUCKLAND
The Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls Women’s team have endured a tough initial 2024 NZRL National Women’s Premiership road trip, going down 36-4 to defending champions Auckland Vulcans at Cornwall Park in Epsom on Sunday.
Coming into the third-round encounter with an impressive 22-8 win over Wellington Orcas and a plucky 36-20 loss to Akarana Falcons – both at Ngā Puna Wai – to their credit, the under-strength Trillo Metals Bulls line-up’s 70-minute effort wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard against the firepower-laden Vulcans.
A period of sustained goal-line pressure garnered the first try in the ninth minute for the home side, who posted the next three tries for an imposing 20-0 lead.
But Canterbury found some momentum and field position late in the first half, eventually getting on the board via a bulldozing charge from front-rower Harmony Simaile – one of the visitors’ best on the day.
Auckland put the result beyond doubt as two tries after the break opened up a 30-4 advantage, but again the Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls dug in and refused to allow the scoreline to get out of hand.
Charntay Poko – the Trillo Metals Bulls’ assistant coach – made an eye-catching return to the Canterbury jersey. The former Kiwi Ferns rep and Warriors NRLW star’s rare ball-playing class and pinpoint kicking game kept the Vulcans on their toes all afternoon, with the latter coming agonisingly close to producing two tries inside the last 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, second-rower Usipua Togiaso was a consistent threat on the left edge and experienced hooker Katey Arona performed strongly at dummy-half.
But it was the Vulcans who had the last say, lock Taleenza Nelson racing away for a brilliant 50-metre solo try to complete her double in the dying stages.
The Trillo Metals Canterbury Bulls now face two must-win assignments to stay in NZRL National Women’s Premiership contention, hosting Counties Manukau Stingrays at Ngā Puna Wai on Saturday, September 28 (2pm) in Round 4 and completing the round-robin with a clash against Waikato in Hamilton on Saturday, October 5 (12pm).
Auckland Vulcans 36 defeated Trillo Metals Canterbury Women’s 4 (Harmony Simaile try) at Cornwall Park, Auckland, Sunday, September 22.
