Waikato v Counties Manukau Open Women's
Waikato's Open Women's team is formidable with Niall Williams, Robyna Hokai, Hollie Gray, Brittany Coates, Morgan Morrow and Shiray Tane all NZ national players. Counties also featured top players such as Renee Wickliffe, Tyla Nathan-Wong, Missy Buchanan and Jordan Rogers-Rhind and wouldn't be taking a step back in the face of 2012's Champions.
Chantelle Nikora of Waikato was the first to score, skipping through the defence out wide and just evading a touch to put the ball down. Counties Manukau hit back in the middle of the park to lock the scores up but moments later Waikato were over again.
The most spectacular touchdown of the half featured Touch Black Shiray Tane blitzing through the middle from halfway to set up a 5-2 half-time lead for Waikato.
Williams and Hokai controlled the park from the middle for Waiakto and produced some creative attacking play. Hokai starred for Waikato's sixth, diving over after a unlocking some space with a series of quick passes.
While down on the scoreboard, Counties were still coming up with some good options on the line; Waikato's shutting was up to the task though and at the other end of the field their long-balls were effective more often than not and they ran out 6-2 winners.
Last Modified on 01/03/2013 08:47