Waikato FPC power past Auckland
Home semi in Farah Palmer Cup bagged
Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have secured a home semifinal in the Farah Palmer Cup after thrashing Auckland Storm 41-5 in a bonus-point victory at FMG Stadium Waikato in round six.
Halfback Ariana Bayler opened the scoring with a penalty shot at goal after nine minutes to give Waikato a three-point lead.
Grace Houpapa-Barrett scored the first try of the game from a pick-andgo close to the line, Bayler added the extras and Waikato stretched their lead to 10 points after 18 minutes.
Waikato’s second try was from another pick-and-go, close to the line this time with Esther Tilo-Faiaoga driving over to score. Bayler was again successful with the conversion and Waikato led 17-0 after 30 minutes.
Just before halftime, Bayler missed a penalty goal and Waikato headed into the break with a 17-0 lead.
In the second half, HoupapaBarrett scored her second try in a similar fashion to what she did with her first try. Bayler this time was unsuccessful with the conversion and Waikato led 22-0 after 55 minutes.
Esther Tilo-Faiaoga also scored her second the same way she scored her first with a pick-and-go 5m out then twisted and turned to score. Bayler added the extras and Waikato’s lead was 29 points after 59 minutes.
Auckland scored their first try through Angelica Mekemeke Vahai in the corner at the midway point of the second half. Sophie Fisher missed the conversion and Waikato led 29-5.
In the final 15 minutes, Montessa Tairakena scored a brace of tries with Bayler converting one of two conversions to push Waikato’s score to 41-5, securing a bonus-point victory and locking up a home semifinal spot in the process.
Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC 41 (Grace Houpapa-Barrett 2, Esther TiloFaiaoga 2, Montessa Tairakena 2 tries; Ariana Bayler 4 conversion, 1 penalty)
Auckland Storm 5 (Angelica Mekemeke Vahai try)
HT: 17-0