Cyclones get downgraded
The Manawatu¯ Cyclones have been relegated from the Farah Palmer Cup premiership after a second-half slump led to a 42-26 loss to Wellington in their last game of the season.
Manawatu¯ were leading 26-7 at Palmerston North’s Arena on Saturday, with a bonus point in hand and their spot in the premiership safe. But they were run down in the second half as Wellington scored 35 unanswered points.
The result means Manawatu¯ finished last in the premiership, without a win, and will be in the second-tier championship next year.
Manawatu¯ looked as good as they have all season in the first half, with their backs cutting Wellington up. But missed tackles and mistakes hurt them after halftime and they were torched by Wellington wing Ayesha Leti-i’iga, who scored five tries.
Cyclones coach Fusi Feaunati said they competed well for the first half, but a short period let them down.
‘‘It’s disappointing. We created opportunities and we certainly did create three clear ones in the second half. The way we leaked points again and they found holes in our defensive lines...’’
Feaunati said they would have to look at what they could do differently next season.
Manawatu’s backs were a threat against Wellington, with Lauren Balsillie, Janna Vaughan and Crystal Mayes making breaks, while they were also pinching turnovers at the breakdown.
But, as has been the problem all season, their scrum was getting marched backwards.
In the second half Wellington started to rule the breakdown and were scoring tries from set piece.
There were a couple of missed scoring opportunities and missed touch from penalty kicks from Manawatu¯ , which could have made a difference.
It took 67 minutes for Wellington to go in front and Manawatu¯ were still in the game when Wellington’s Nina Foaese was red-carded in the 72nd minute for a high shot, but Wellington scored again to seal the win.
Wellington 42 (Ayesha Letii’iga 5, Bernadette Robertson tries; Amanda Rasch 6 con) Manawatu¯ 26 (Selica Winiata, Janna Vaughan, Rangimarie Sturmey, Crystal Mayes tries; Winiata 3 con) HT 7-26.