Moutere claim women’s title

Waimea Old Boys women had its dream of a three-peat ended at the hands of rivals Moutere in a pulsating final this afternoon.

The see-sawing battle was brutal and enthralling with both sides producing plenty of bruising hits and some scintillating runs in difficult conditions at Trafalgar Park.

Waimea would have a chance to snatch a late victory but Moutere survived to be crowned the 2021 women's Tasman Trophy champions, prevailing 10-6.

Waimea front rower Anna Bradley was resolute in defeat.

“I love playing against Moutere, I hate that we lost today but what a final, we can hold our heads up because we played a good game of rugby.”

She says despite the close loss, she came off Trafalgar Park smiling because it was hard and fun contest.

Moutere captain Niska Scott says she was a bit lost for words following the final whistle but was incredibly proud of her side.

“It’s always a good battle and we knew it was going to be tough out there.”

Waimea’s Eve Findlay put first points on the board in what was a rare foray into Moutere’s 22 in the opening fourty.

Waimea was relentless on defence in the face of an unwavering assault, fullback Bethan Manners particularly brave as she cut down players twice her size running at full speed.

Pippa Andrews was electric at halfback for Moutere but Waimea survived the sustained period under immense pressure and eventually got to the other end where Manners extended the lead with her second penalty.

Just as it appeared Waimea would head to the break with a six-point lead, Eleri James-Sitters exploded through a hole out of nowhere and went under the bar to score the first try of the final.

James-Sitters set the second alight with another superb break and she linked with blockbusting winger Fiaalii Solomona who powered over in the corner.

It was then Moutere’s turn to spend significant minutes camped on its own line but were equally staunch as Jess Foster-Lawrence was held up over the line.

Another two tries went begging with Waimea unable to make their final passes stick.

The hosts had one final opportunity to clinch it at the death with a scrum on halfway and sixty seconds remaining, but the Blenheim women held its neve to claim the title in a classic.

Scorers:

Moutere 10 (James-Sitters, Solomona, tries)

Waimea 6 (Findlay, 2 pens)