Women’s Combined Affiliated States & Territories Championships
WA 26 NT 6
BY PETER ROWE
WA got their Combined Affiliated States and Territories Championship campaign off to a great start in windy Melbourne on Friday with a solid 26-6 win over the NT Titans.
Two tries from Joondalup centre Zion Taurima, and further scores from Fremantle’s Reanna Quan, Ellenbrook fullback Ari Ruru Hinaki and Rabbitohs hooker Macey Simpkins settled the game at Seabrook Oval.
WA got off to a flying start in the opening minute of the game the Quan grounded a loose ball after a Kailey Thompson kick was lost by the NT defence.
Eight minutes later they increased their lead when the dangerous Taurima found a gap on the left edge to score her first of the day before Simpkins drove over from a few metres out.
NT pulled one back on the siren to leave WA 14-6 up at the break – and alter some early pressure from the Territory, which WA defended well, Taurima grabbed her second on 48 minutes under the posts.
When Hiraki was the beneficiary of a big break up the middle from backrower Kataraina Horner, with eight minutes of time remaining, the game was effectively over with coach John Hough happy with his team’s performance.
“A good start to the tournament – still lots to do, But I’m happy,” Hough said.
“We knew it was going to be an arm wrestle against a strong NT side, We got off to a good start, then let them in at the end of the first half.
“We then had to withstand some more pressure early in the second half and showed some good defence before we pushed on to win the game.
Pleasing and we’re unscathed and ready for SA tomorrow morning.”
Watch a replay of the game here
