TRILLO METALS WOMEN’S CANTERBURY BULLS TRAMPLE AUCKLAND VULCANS AT NGĀ PUNA WAI

The Trillo Metals Women’s Canterbury Bulls have carved out one of the most significant victories in their recent history, overwhelming Auckland Vulcans 34-16 at Ngā Puna Wai in Sunday’s NZRL National Women’s Premiership Round 2 clash.

Twice fighting back from early deficits, the Trillo Metals Bulls scored six of the match’s last seven tries to run away with their first win of the competition – building on last week’s gallant narrow loss to defending champs Akarana Falcons in Papakura.

Auckland led 10-6 after scoring tries either side of a superb solo effort from Canterbury loose forward Kyra-Lee Westland, whose deft footwork at the defensive line and power saw her plunge over under the posts.

Trillo Metals Bulls then levelled up with a sensational long-range effort sparked by five-eighth Kyla Lynch-Brown, who offloaded for winger Cyrilla Lolohea. Lolohea blazed down the sidelined before finding fullback Lucy Mahuika in support to score.

The hosts took a 14-10 advantage into the break after diminutive No.1 Mahuika turned provider, delivering a nice short pass for halfback Cassie Siataga to score.

The Trillo Metals Women’s Canterbury Bulls took a stranglehold on the contest after halftime, backing up their defensive pressure with slick attack – opening up the Vulcans on both edges as Terongomaianiwaniwa Williams and then Karereatua Williams cut through for tries.

Mahuika followed up magnificent lead-up work from hooker Caitlin Sears to reach out for her second try, with Sears’ conversion from out wide creating a 30-10 scoreline.

Auckland found a response through along-awaited try, but Canterbury iced an emphatic result when Siataga fired a beautiful long ball out for Sears to dive over in the corner.

The Trillo Metals Women’s Canterbury Bulls now look ahead to next Sunday’s Round 3 showdown with visiting Waikato at Ngā Puna Wai, with the Joseph Purcell-Mika-coached side shaping as a genuine title threat.

Trillo Metals Women’s Canterbury Bulls 34 (Lucy Mahuika 2, Kyra Lee-Westland, Cassie Siataga, Terongomaianiwaniwa Williams, Karereatua Williams, Caitlin Sears tries; Siataga 2, Sears goals) defeated Auckland Vulcans 16 at Ngā Puna Wai, Sunday, September 14. Halftime: Bulls 14-10. Referee: Jack Feavers.