Hanan rugby girls produce best result

The Hanan Shield secondary school girls’ rugby team went desperately close to winning the South Island tournament in Christchurch for the first time.

Hanan Shield finished second overall, their best ever result, after a nail biting win over Tasman.

Had they managed to score four tries against Tasman, Hanan Shield would have tied at the top of the very tight, six team round robin tournament.

In the end the team finished just a point behind winners Canterbury on the table with 19, with Tasman a further three points adrift.

Hanan Shield lost 15-12 to champions Canterbury on day one, but scored a last minute try to Jamee Te Moananui to beat a tough Tasman outfit on the final day 19-14, to finish second. Canterbury had earlier drawn 12-all with Tasman.

Coach Shane Spiers said it was unfortunate that there wasn’t a final.

‘‘We would have loved to play Canterbury again. As the tournament went on the girls structure and performances got better and better.

‘‘I was very proud of the girls’ performances.’’

Hanan Shield ended with four wins including the scalps of Otago, Tasman, Southland and Canterbury development and one loss. Hanan Shield were at touch unlucky then to have only three girls named in the tournament team.

Mount Hutt College triplets Jamee, Chloe and Erana Te Moananui certainly deserved their spots and proved devastating on attack.

No.8 Erana was outstanding, with powerful running and big defence and was named captain of the tournament team. Chloe excelled at prop while Jamee shared time between prop and the blind side flank.

The good news for Hanan Shield is the 17-year-old triplets are available for the side again next year. Hard working blind side Korlina Volkov also impressed with some strong running

Volkov also scored two tries apiece against Southland and Canterbury development. The Roncalli College inside back pairing of halfback Abigail Kinsman and Issy McKeown directed the side well throughout. Kinsman kept the forwards honest but also gave the back line opportunities.

Wing Kate Donald proved an outstanding defender while Lucy Crabbe was an inspirational leader, with consistent, strong performances.

South Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Craig Calder said he was proud of the girls efforts. ‘‘I watched a couple of their games and they played some very good rugby.’’

On day one Hanan Shield beat Otago 22-7 in the rain. Down 7-5 at halftime the girls came back to win comfortably.

Fullback Cheyenne Cunning- ham impressed with two tries and also landed a conversion while open side Morgan Hendrrson and wing Liz Hampton also scored tries.

The second game was a closely 15-12 loss to Canterbury. Hanan Shield defended really well but Canterbury scored right on halftime putting them up 10-5.

No.8 Erana Te Moananui and Cunningham scored tries for Hanan Shield.

Blind side Volkov impressed with strong ball running on attack. Wing Kate Donald was strong on defence and made smart decisions with ball in hand

Anna Gregan also had a good impact coming on in the forwards off the bench.

The second day saw Hanan Shield beat Southland 12-0 and had a confidence boosting 41-0 win over Canterbury development.

On the final day Tasman were aggressive in what proved a stopstart game. Ill discipline didn’t help Tasman’s cause with three yellow cards to Hanan Shield’s one. Spiers said it was intense game. ‘‘We were stoked to come out on the right side of the ledger.’’