Ories earn fourth bonus point win; McIntosh sisters score 48 points for Norths

The Oriental-Rongotai women's team earned their fourth straight bonus point win, while Northern United, aided by the scoring feats of the McIntosh sisters, made it clear they won't relinquish their Wellington Women's Premier rugby crown without a fight in the latest round of matches played on Saturday.

Ories, who defeated Norths earlier in the round, beat Avalon 69-0 at home at the Polo Ground to continue their impressive early season form. In a well-rounded team effort, 10 individuals scored their 11 tries, while fullback Lizzie Goulden kicked seven conversions.

The other three matches also resulted in big scores, Wainuiomata beating Stokes Valley 59-0, Old Boys University beating Tawa 72-12 and Norths defeating Poneke/MSP 118-0.

A feature of Northern United's big win was the scoring feats of the McIntosh sisters, left wing Jamie and loose forward Sammy.

Together, the sisters scored 48 points.

Jamie scored four tries, taking her try-tally to 11 in four games. Sammy kicked 14 conversions for 28 points.

Norths were ruthless on attack, punishing any and all mistakes. Norths got their tails up early and played with continuity and cohesion for the remainder of the match. After a first half onslaught the home team's defence up the middle tightened up somewhat, forcing Norths to go wide, with Jamie Mcintosh, centre Jessica Akavi (three tries) and fullback Brenda Collins (two) benefiting most. Norths also didn't have it their own way in the set-pieces, the Poneke/MSP forwards strong in the scrums and lineouts.

OBU bounced back from their loss to Norths last week with a 12 tries to two win over Tawa. Left wing Lillian Mapu scored a hat-trick, fullback Andrea Wadsworth ran in a double, while first five-eighth Georgia Daals also scored two tries and 22 points.

Wainuiomata and Stokes Valley played for the Emanuel Tuhoro Cup in their "Battle of the Valleys" clash on Wainuiomata's Old Timers' Day.

After a slow start to the season, the 2012 champions turned up for this clash showing they shouldn't be counted out as playoff contenders this year.

The forward pack was a well-oiled machine as they exerted their dominance at the set piece, winning a number of tight-heads while Moni Faaifo and Black Ferns lock Jackie Patea, got their hands on all of the lineout ball. Good ball security and aggressive counter-rucking set the platform for the backline to shine.

Stokes Valley rallied well in the second half, but Wainuiomata won well in the end, scoring 11 tries.

Next week's games:

• Tawa v Wainuiomata
• Avalon v Norths
• Poneke/MSP v Old Boys University
• Stokes Valley v Ories

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Top Ten Things You Really Ought to know about Women's Rugby:

The following has been written by Wainuiomata Women's (W.O.W) captain and flanker Alice Soper.

Twelve years ago, I opted to leave the side lines and pull on a jersey but somehow my passion for our sport still raises some eyebrows.

Whether I be accused of being too masculine, too feminine, gay or worse - a touch player, I realise there is still a lot that the general New Zealand public has to learn about women playing our national sport.

So I thought I'd take the time to put the record straight, give you a list of the top ten things you really ought to know about Women's Rugby.

1. It's not Tiddlywinks

Whenever I mention to someone that I play rugby, the first thing they ask is "Touch?"

I don't know what touch players are going around telling people that they play rugby but let's get this straight, women play the same bone-crunching, skin-scraping, ruck marked rugby that you do. We jump in line-outs, we push in scrums, we make our tackles and we love every second of it.

2. We Don't All Play for the Same Team

The number of women that play rugby and take an interest in the fairer sex would be on par with the rate of homosexuality in the general population.

Yes, I have had the pleasure of playing rugby with some lovely girls and their girlfriends but I have also played with mums, wives, sisters, daughters and cousins.?

I've been playing this game for a while and no matter how many scrums I pack down in, I still love dudes.

3. Looks Can be Deceiving

"But you don't look like a rugby player." That's another one I get all the time.

What exactly does a rugby player look like? Personally I think this is one of the most beautiful aspects of our game, that every body type is celebrated.

Short and squat? You'd make a great front row. Fast and lippy? Be our halfback. A pain in my a**? Be a loose forward.

You're all useful here.

4. Let Your Girl Play

Further to my previous point, this is exactly why I think rugby union is a fantastic sport for a young women. It is incredibly empowering to your body image to know that shape is useful just the way it is.

On top of this you get to interact with a whole range of people from different age groups, social and cultural backgrounds - ace!

And to those that say it is too violent, nonsense. I was injured a lot more frequently playing football than I have been playing rugby and surely the benefits of having your girl being fit and active outweigh whatever perceived negatives there may be.

5. Boobs

Now that I've got your attention, let's all just relax. Sure, we might get the odd knock to the chest but I'm sure you've had the odd knee to the nether region.

Women tend to think about their boobs a lot less then you do boys, so it's really not that big of a deal.

6. Are You Okay?

I do feel sorry for my boyfriend when we go out in the winter months. The patchwork of bruises can lead to some sidelong glances at my fella and while I appreciate the concern of strangers, these are the badges of a hard fought game and nothing more sinister.

Do continue to ask the question, just don't be surprised if "Norths" is the answer.

7. Lingerie Versions are Just the Worst

Thankfully we are yet to see a rugby union version of the sports abomination they call "Lingerie Football".? If there was a suggestion that in order to secure coverage of our game we would be required to strip to our bra and undies, let me just go ahead and veto that right now.?

I like to think that everyone is above such shameless sexism.

8. Black Ferns

The Black Ferns are the most successful rugby union team on the face of the planet.

Over their career history, they have only ever lost 8 games leading them to have a winning percentage of 87.31% (the All Blacks are a meagre 76.17%). They have won every World Cup there has been ever.

I am going to repeat that, the Black Ferns have won every World Cup there has been.

Did you know they are defending this winning streak at the World Cup this year? No? Well now you do. It's in August and in France. Look it up.

9. We Love it for the Same Reasons You Do

"But why would you want to play such a rough game?"

For the same reasons you do. The free running, the big hits and the competition. Because it gives us a reason to get up on Saturday and then do nothing on Sunday.

It's the family you gain in your team mates and the camaraderie of your club.

Because after you play this game, why would you play anything else?

10. Support Your Women

So after all that, if you are lucky enough to have a women's team that plays for your club make sure you go out and support them!

And if you don't, why not? Women's rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. So get recruiting and get them registered to play, the 7's season is only just around the corner.