Womens rugby kicks off

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 535, 10 May 1994, Page 12

Womens rugby kicks off

By

ossie

Wanganui Marist look set to retain their Womens Rugby championship title afteraninspiring44-17 win over Waiouru at Ohakune on Sunday. Wanganui Counties showed too much experience when defeating last-year-finalist Raetihi 22-12 and new team Hunterville secured their first win 25-0 against a new-look Ohakune Karioi side. First five-eight Nikki

Inwood was the key playmaker for Hunterville, with strategic kicking and great eontrol of her outside backs. Jill Maher led her team well from the mauls and rucks, with Marce Bellamore assisting with a lot of line out ball. Denise Maher had a solid game at fullback. Ohakune' s captain No. 8 Jackie Henare led a fired up forward pack with some bustling runs through the middle of the Hunterville defence. Loose forward Olive Henare displayed some solid covering defence and supportive runs all day. Queenie Callaghan and La Akapita were the other forwards to stand out. The Ohakune back line unfortunately did not capitalize on the good work done by the forwards. Celene Rahi and Jackie Gupwell were the best of the Ohakune backs. Jackie Henare was the Lion Red player of the day. Norma Sadley was given the glass boot award. Maree Bellamore scored 2 trys, Nikki Inwood, Donna Moon and Ethel Muir one each. Wanganui Counties 22, Raetihi 12 The determination of the Counties forward pack proved too much for Raetihi. Ex-Marist players Mary Kailahi and Amanda Hamilton were the spear heads of the bustling forward pack, with both players having strong runs from the scrums and mauls. Rochelle Molan and Elame Tatauhua won the majority of line out ball for Counties with Cala Doherty and Ngaire T ameti running well in the Counties backline. Raetihi midfield back Rose Renata showed skills on attacks, linking well with centre Rene Hiroti Who, al-

though heavily marked, still broke through often. Counties' loose forwards dominated the mauls and rucks which stopped many Raetihi opportunities. Tania Clark ran well on the wing for Raetihi. Cherylee Bishop and Aroha Williams were the pick of the overpowered forward pack. For Wanganui Counties, Mary Kailahi scored 2 tries, Lyn Tatauha and Ngaire Tamati trys; Mary Kailahi 1 conversion. Raetihi 12, Rose Renata and Tania Clark trys, Sherry Hansen 1 conversion. Marist 44, Waiouru 17 Marist showed why are the defending champions with an impressive displays from their back line. Leanne Fox and Pauline O' leary ran riot when given the ball. Jackie and Nara Sua were very sound inside backs showing lots of maturity on attack and defence. Caren Stead lead the charge for Marist in the forwards with veteran Glenda Matoe in good support. Although well beaten the W aiouru forward pack were persistent spoilers for the defending champion side. Lorinda Stevens and Kim Burrows bustled well and gained a heap of possession from the rucks and mauls. Loose forward Bugsy Gallagher was in outstanding form and unlucky not to score on several other occasions. Mellissa Brown at Nat's Heka both defended well in backs with newcomer Rose White having a solid first game at half back. Marist 44: Leanne Fox 2, Pauline O'Leary 2, Celene Tuapola, Caren Stead and Jackie Sua trys. Nara Sua 2 conversions. Waiouru 17, Leone Gallagher 2, Lorrinda Stevens trys. Lorrinda Stevens 1 conversion.

This week' s games at the Wanganui Race course with Wanganui Counties hosting.