Committed Norths win Women’s Final

A committed Northern United held off a fast-finishing Oriental-Rongotai to win the Wellington Women’s Victoria Tavern Trophy at Porirua Park this morning.

Northern United won the final 24-22, but not without a scare, as Ories sprung into life over the final several minutes and scored two tries. But first five-eighth Lizzie Goulden was unable to convert the first of these from a handy angle, which would’ve taken the final into extra time.

Two tries to Norths in the opening 10 minutes of the match and another early in the second half proved the difference as Norths skipped out to a 17-3 lead at one point.

The defending champions Ories side came back, but Norths had enough in their tank to hold on for victory.

The win for Norths was a triumph of superb teamwork, particularly at the breakdown where they harried and hustled Ories into errors in the wet conditions.

Norths captain Helen Collins praised Ories for a hard final and thanked all the supporters.

“We knew it was going to be an 80 minute game, and that was how it proved against Ories today,” she said.

“It’s been eight months work, we finished with nothing last year and now we have got three out of three of the trophies available [Fleurs Trophy, Challenge Cup, Victoria Tavern Trophy].

“It’s been a hard year for our club. We have had three losses this year – including Phil Rees and Jerry Collins, so this is so we’ll celebrate this win with our team but also our club.”

Norths made a sensational start to the final; right wing Lekah Leti running in to score in the corner before many in the crowd had taken their seats.

Ories had knocked on the opening kick-off of the match, presenting Norths with and attacking scrum in prime position in the middle of the field. From the scrum, they ran a wide blindside and Leti ran in a well taken try.

Keeping play willing and tight, Norths made further inroads and won a succession of penalties. From an attacking lineout, the forwards drove at the chalk and tighthead prop Mau Tavita was driven over for the second try to double their lead to 10-0.

Ories got themselves into the game courtesy of a high tackle against one of their players and a period of concerted phase play inside the 22. Wing three-quarter Diana Foliaki went close to scoring, followed by a bust by Joanah Ngan-Woo. Both were thwarted, but flyhalf Goulden put them on the board with a penalty. Norths led 10-3 after 23 minutes.

The next 15 minutes leading up to halftime was all Norths. With steady drizzle now falling making the ball slippery, Norths went desperately close to scoring on several occasions, including two likely runs into the corner by left wing Tina Paulo. Norths went into halftime ahead 10-3.

Ories kicked the ball dead with the second half re-start, presenting Norths with an attacking scrum on halfway and the resulting period of possession proved costly.

No. 8 Tiana Collins barged through to score off a scrum close to the line and replacement back Jamie McIntosh added the extras to put them ahead 17-3.

Now three scores behind and with the weather closing in behind them, Ories were forced to chance their arm – and it paid off.

Opening up play through the middle, both flankers Ngarie Linde and Kirsty Stewart combined to give prop Noeleen Nonu a try under the bar. Goulden added the extras, closing the gap to 10-17 with over half an hour to play.

Norths broke out of their own territory to score what proved to be the winning try, No. 8 Tiana Collins making a short burst and former captain and reserve prop Mo Aiatu galloping up the touchline into the 22. Quick recycling followed and hooker Patsy Schwalger cut clean through to score under the bar. McInstosh added the extras, putting Norths ahead 24-10.

McIntosh missed a penalty to further extend their lead.

Despite this, the final wasn’t over. Ories ran in two quickfire tries.

left wing Ayesha Leti-I’iga flashed up the far touchline and fullback Timena Tuma’ai subsequently finished off a move to score on the other side of the posts to close the gap to 24-15. Goulden was unable to add the extras from a handy range.

Centre Amanda Rasch then scored another try two minute later in broken play, Goulden converted and Norths were ahead 24-22 with two minutes to play.

But they ran out of time and Norths were celebrating the fulltime whistle.

Scores: Norths 24 ( Lekah Leti, Mau Tavita, Tiana Collins,Patsy Schwalger tries; Jamie McIntosh conversion) beat Ories 22 (Raylene Lolo, Timena Tuma’ai , Amanada Rasch tries; Lizzie Goulden pen, 2 con). HT: Norths 10-3