Manawatu win big in first round

Manawatu have caused an upset on the opening weekend of this year’s Farah Palmer Cup, thrashing Auckland 44-17 at Bell Park in Pakuranga on Saturday.

The result highlights their credentials this year with Kalyn Takitimu-cook scoring three of Manawatu’s tries, while there was one each to Vaine Greig, Sam Tipene, Kristina Sue and Marilyn Live.

The biggest premiership win was posted by 2017 champions Canterbury, who thrashed Bay of Plenty 55-5.

Black Ferns halfback Kendra Cocksedge bagged a couple of tries for Canterbury, as did Olivia Mcgoverne.

Taranaki are the new team in this year’s provincial competition and suffered a heavy 65-12 loss to Tasman in their championship clash at Sports Park in Motueka.

Amelia Hammett stood out for Tasman, collecting a hat-trick of tries, while Hannah Beech and Crystal Mayes both scored twice.

Waikato beat Counties Manukau 33-27 in Taupiri, while

At a glance

Hawke’s Bay beat Wellington 25-22 in another nailbiter at Tremain Field, Park Island, and Otago defeated North Harbour 27-15 in Dunedin. ❚ (Greer Muir, Sheree Hume, Cheyenne Cunningham, Kiana Wereta tries; Rosie Kelly con; Hume con, pen)

(Finesa Makasini try; Sophie Fisher con, 2 pen).

❚ (Kalyn Takitimu-cook 3, Vaine Greig, Sam Tipene, Kristina Sue, Marilyn Live tries; Selica Winiata 3 con, pen)

(Jacqui Aiono 2, Ruahei Demant tries; Demant con).

❚ (Kendra Cocksedge 2, Lucy Jenkins, Melanie Puckett, Estelle Uren, Pip Love, Sam Curtis, Olivia Mcgoverne 2 tries; Cocksedge 5 con) (Les Elder try).

❚ (Ryleigh Hayes, Chelsea Alley, Arianna Bayler, Rina Paraone, Ash Babi-sutherland; Alley 4 con)

(Azania Watene, Anastasia Mamea 2, Justine Lavea, Victoria Meki tries; Shonte To’a con)

❚ (Natasha-dean Greville, Krysten Cottrell, Tori Iosefo tries; Cottrell 2 con, 2 pen) (Acacia Te Iwimate, Kiri Mei, Sieni Mose-samau tries; Amanda Rauch 2 con, pen).

❚ (Hannah Beech 2, Crystal Mayes 2, Hannah Kelly, Stephani Mitchell, Tamara Silcock, Amelia Hammett 3 , Michelle Currie tries; Hayley Hutana 5 con) (Utumalama Atonio, Jalana Smith tries; Casio Austin con).

Farah Palmer Cup results, week one: Otago 27

Manawatu 44

Canterbury 55

Bay of Plenty 5 Waikato 33

Hawke’s Bay 25

Tasman 65

Wellington 22

Taranaki 12

North Harbour 13

Auckland 17

Counties Manukau 27