Whanganui Women get it done in Rotorua

By Jared Smith

The Silks Audit Whanganui Women had a pleasant trip to Rotorua after holding off East Coast Women for a 34-19 win on Saturday.

Leading 17-7 at halftime in a tight encounter, Whanganui clicked into gear to build an uncatchable lead, until a backline injury meant they had to rearrange their defensive shape, and the girls from the cape got some late points.

“We were a little bit slow to get started in the first half, had a couple of players join us the past week,” said coach Jason Liddle.

“First 20 minutes of the second half, we put points on the board.”

With talisman player Lavenia Nauga-Grey recovering from the serious injury suffered in the win over Thames Valley on August 20, Whanganui were able to call on the services of their former Black Fern and 50 Farah Palmer Cup games-capped front rower Sosoli Talawadua.

“We needed her, she lasted 30 minutes, but her leadership on the field and stability in the scrum [was vital],” said Liddle.

Talawadua came off after a pulled calf muscle.

East Coast recognised Whanganui winger Paris Munro with the Player of the Day award, after she scored a try and stopped East Coast getting another, while making three big half field break-out runs.

Improving their season record to 3-1, the Whanganui team is now scheduled to play their last game against Wairarapa Bush in Masterton on September 24, however the status of the game is uncertain with the home side reportedly struggling for numbers.

The Whanganui Under 15 Girls team was also scheduled to play East Coast in Rotorua on Saturday, however the match was cancelled due to the coasters not having a full squad.

The Under 15’s have their last game planned against Manawatu U15 in Palmerston North this Saturday.