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 ❚ (Josh McKay 2, Daniel Lienert-Brown, penalty try tries; Brett Cameron 3 con) Bay of Plenty 19 (Chase Tiatia, Tyler Ardron, Terrence Hepetema tries; Mike Delany 2 con). HT: 14-12.

❚ Otago 50 (Dylan Nel, Naulia Dawai, Michael Collins, Matt Whaanga, Donald Brighouse, Jona Nareki, Melani Matavao tries; Josh Ioane 6 con, pen) Manawatu¯ 17 (Rob Thompson, Laloifi Junior Laloifi, Faalelei Sione tries; Jade Te Rure con). HT: 14-17.

❚ Tasman 32 (Tima Faingaanuku, Will Jordan, Shannon Frizell, Finlay Christie tries; Mitchell Hunt 2 pen, 3 con) North Harbour 20 (Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Matt Duffie tries; Bryn Gatland 2 pen, 2 con). HT: 22-13. 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 Hawke’s Bay beat Wellington 25-22 in another nailbiter at Tremain Field, Park Island, and Otago defeated North Harbour 27-15 in Dunedin.