Waikato women continue unbeaten season against rival

Waikato had an “absolute slugfest” in Hamilton over the weekend in week 4 of the Farah Palmer Cup Premiership division, coming up trumps against Chiefs rivals, the Counties Manukau Heat 13-5.

The first part of the game was marred by handling errors by both teams in a very physical encounter between the two rivals.

Black Ferns star Renee Holmes opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 38th minute from right out in front, to give the home team the lead.

The Heat were quick to answer back, with a long distance try to winger Jaymie Kolosie just before the half time whistle struck. Counties own Black Fern star Meherangi Paul was unable to convert leaving the team with the advantage 5-3 at the break.

The second half continued the same as the first, with both teams making handling errors while trying to offload passes that, on some occasions, weren’t there to be made.

The first try for Waikato came just 11 minutes before the final whistle, with a short-range effort by prop Toka Natua to help the home team gain a 5 point lead, after Holmes nailed the ball between the posts for the conversion.

As the Heat continued to press the offloads it looked like mistakes would eventually come again. However the telling blow was a turnover penalty that Holmes slotted over to give Waikato their eventual win.

Next week Waikato have a much-deserved bye after 4 games on the trot, while Counties Manukau Heat will take on their Blues rival Auckland Storm in Pukekohe on Friday night.

Waikato Women 13

Tries: Toka Natua

Conversions: Renee Holmes

Penalty Kick: Renee Holmes x2

Counties Manukau Heat 5

Tries: Jaymie Kolosie