Both teams had shown great form during the round robin play, it was set to be a big game and we weren’t disappointed. Waikato had the tap off to start the game, the game flow was at a consistent pace with Counties' Corey Roberts being the first to cross the line for a touchdown following a nice phase of ball off loading. Quick on the heals of there first touchdown Counties Kahurangi Peters found a whole in the Waikato defence when the defending player didn’t cone hard enough creating a gap. Scoreline 2-0 to Counties.
Waikato struck back through #6 from a step back move and great acceleration. 2-1 to Counties. Counties struck again when #7 crossed the line to draw them ahead 3-1. With half time looming it looked as if Counties would go into half time with a 2 point buffer. Waikato weren’t finished and Chanelle Rata-Makene got the final touchdown of the first half. The half time score 3-2 to Counties.
The first half had seen a good paced game so far in intensive heat, both teams had shown good ball handling skills with very low error rates. The second half was set to be a good one.
The second half was a seasaw with both teams having good possession of the ball but unable to score. In total only 2 touchdowns were scored during the full 20 minute period.
Waikato's Racquel Anderson-Pitman showed some quick foot movement, to step 2 players and off load to Waikato #1 for the equalising touchdown, scoreline was 3 all.
With 5 minutes to go in the game Counties through quick hands passed the ball to the wing creating a gap enabling the final winning touchdown of the match.
The final score was 4-3 to Counties Manukau.
Last Modified on 06/03/2010 15:27