Wednesday, February 06, 2013

18's Girls

The Australian 18's Girls have become the first team to win a division at the 2013 Super Trans Tasman Series, winning game two in a four-on-four drop-off.

Yesterday's match between these two teams went down to the wire and if the crowd were on the lookout for similar entertainment today then they wouldn't have been disappointed. In contrast to Game one, Australia started the strongest with Hannah Dyball scoring in the corner.

The Aussies followed this up with a nice play  and quick hands that was completed by Evania Pelitte-Denny. When Breannan Singman crossed not long after it looked like NZ were staring down the barrel.

Just as the game looked like it was swinging Australia's way, the kiwis countered with Codie Taute coming up with a play from nowhere to make the score 3-1.

Ariia Tainui-McIntyre then scored twice in two minutes to life her team and draw the scores level. It was very much Game On at this point with both teams striving for Touchdown and not being bale to convert.

After letting in three, Australia regained their rhythm and peppered the New Zealand line. Yasmin Meakes just missed out on a Touchdown out wide but not long after Sam Rodgers chimed in a spectacular diving effort out wide to return the lead to the Aussies. Still in high gear, Caitlin Moran then crossed as well to extend the lead by two after some well-worked play.

With New Zealand on the back foot again and the clock ticking down fast Tainui-McIntyre stepped up for a second back-to-back Touchdown effort to tie the match up. Her team lifted thanks to the inspired play, but Australia did the same with each team making crucial saves.

The full-time whistle blew and with the teams locked at 5-5 it was time for the first drop off of the tournament. New Zealand had the better of the opening exchanges but Australia soaked up the pressure and when the teams were down to four players, the Aussies found space out wide to complete the win of the match and series.

18's Boys

The 18's Boys have gone down to New Zealand, 8-6, to take the series to a decider tomorrow.

Stay tuned to the website for the full match report.

20's Girls

It was a deliberate start by both Under 21 Women's teams in Game 2 of the series with neither able to crack the line or risk any big plays so early on. Australia's Melissa Peters was the first to score but the lead didn't last long with Emma Moore diving over not long after to tie the game at 1-1.

After some strong drives and lead-up, Rebecca Mounsey made no mistake in crossing out wide after a long ball to give Australia the lead. It was quickly extended with a flurry of touchdowns, including a beauty to Kate McCarthy to create a 5-1 advantage to the visitors.

A few missed opportunities by New Zealand stopped them from making inroads but they persevered at the task at hand and eventually Moore scored again to make it 5-2.

One of the Touchdowns of the match came from McCarthy linking with Jenna Hitch to give the Aussies a bit more breathing space. It didn't last long with New Zealand responding almost immediately.

Talia Yarden then reinstated Australia's comfort zone with a fine diving effort. New Zealand kept attacking and scored once more but were kept at bay with the Aussies taking the match and series with a 8-4 victory.

20's Boys

After their 10-2 loss on the first day of competition, New Zealand were determined to take charge of game two and they didn’t disappoint.

Australia was first to score when captain Sam Brisby set up Simon Lang to dive over in the first match of the game.

Two quick touchdowns to Sonatane Tu’akalau gave New Zealand the lead for the first time in the game, before Brisby combined with Jordan Marshall to level it up at 2-all.

Australia got out to a two touchdown lead and were unable to maintain this advantage up until the half-time break, leading 8-6.

New Zealand were quick to bridge the gap after the break, scoring in their first set, to bring the score to 8-7.

Australia then put on three touchdowns, including a great touchdown to Madalitso Masache, to extend their lead, 11-8.

A touchdown to each country after this took the score to 12-8 at full-time, with Australia taking a 2-0 series win, with the last test to be played on Thursday.

Tu’akalau impressed for New Zealand, scoring four touchdowns, while Daley was just as impressive for Australia.

 

 

 

 

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