Win keeps Cyclones in play-offs hunt
The Manawatu¯ Cyclones have stayed in the Farah Palmer Cup playoff hunt with a 22-10 win over Bay of Plenty.
The win at the Arena on Saturday has Manawatu¯ third at the halfway point of the roundrobin, with two wins and a loss.
Manawatu¯ had to work hard though. Bay of Plenty had most of the possession in the first half, but Manawatu¯ were better later, kicking on from their 5-3 halftime lead. Bay of Plenty dominated at set piece and the scrum going backwards made life hard for Manawatu¯ ’s backs.
Star Cyclones back Selica Winiata became the first woman to score 100 first-class tries when she crossed in the first half, but later had to be taken off with a head knock. She was flung into the ground and hit her head and could be out for a couple of weeks.
The 100th try came early on when halfback Kristina Sue ran down the blindside and set Winiata up from 20 metres out.
Young utility back Kalyn Takitimu-cook, who went into first five-eighth when Winiata went off, made a big impact, setting up Lauren Balsillie to score with an offload, and she made a big break that led to Vaine Greig’s try.
Takitimu-cook will play against Canterbury this weekend, then will go to Argentina for the Youth Olympics with the New Zealand sevens team.
Prop Marilyn Live was strong, while flanker Sam Tipene and midfielder Greig played well too.
The Manawatu¯ Development XV were thrashed 76-17 by Wellington Centurions in Wellington. Manawatu¯ , who were missing a handful of players, had been hot on attack before halftime, but conceded a try right on the break to trail 34-12.
In the second half Manawatu¯ fell off too many tackles and even though they strung phases together, they would turn the ball over and Centurions would go the length of the field and score.
Fullback Te Rangatira Waitokia starred again, while wing Ben Werthmuller, prop Taumutu Afemui-nohotima and No 8 Alex Hawira all stood out.
Manawatu¯ Turbos lock Liam Hallam-eames returned from suspension and played 40 minutes.
The Manawatu¯ under-19s avoided last place with a 24-12 win over the Heartland side at Taupo¯. Manawatu¯ lost 40-17 to Auckland Development during the week, but bounced back for their first win.
Manawatu¯ shot out to a 17-0 lead against Heartland, but in the second half they made as many mistakes as they did opportunities. Heartland closed the gap back to 17-12 with five minutes to go, before Manawatu¯ scored to seal the game. The Manawatu¯ under-16s won their opening game of the season, 31-17 against the New Zealand Area Schools at the Sport and Rugby Institute, Palmerston North. Manawatu¯ were up 17-0 after 10 minutes and held that lead at halftime. They made eight changes at halftime and lost momentum against a bigger Area Schools side.
In the Heartland Championship, Horowhenua Ka¯ piti came from behind to beat North Otago 27-24 in O¯ amaru, having been down 17-14 at halftime.
The win puts Horowhenua Ka¯ piti in eighth place. This weekend they play Wairarapa Bush in Levin.