Marist claims Women's Tasman Trophy title after extra time

By Jack Malcolm [Nelson App]

Marist Women are the champions of Nelson after beating Waimea Old Boys Women in a game that had to be decided in extra time.

The NBS Tasman Trophy final served as an advertisement for the excitement and talent of local women's rugby, with action throughout the game in the 26-19 thriller.

After scores were tied 19-19 after 80 minutes of regular time, two additional ten-minute halves were needed to separate the two teams.

Having opened the game with a try in the opening two minutes, Marist women took the early lead but WOB fought back to earn a five-metre penalty.

The defence repelled their first attempt at the line, but they diligently worked the ball back into the attacking 22 before second-five eighth Sophie Hart stepped off her outside foot to beat the Marist line and score a converted try.

WOB second five-eighth Sophie Hart would open the scoring for her team after a right foot step created the gap to score. Photo: Barry Whitnall/Shuttersport 

Marist would score again to take a five-point lead into the break, with a series of strong offloads and direct passing to create the overlap and runaway try.

WOB would come out of the break firing, scoring back-to-back tries within five minutes of each other to take the game's biggest lead, seven points.

Marist was creating opportunities but were often cut down just short by WOB fullback Niamh Pelling who made a handful of try-saving tackles as the last line of defence.

With only 19 players named and 100 minutes of rugby played, WOB relied on heart alone to get them through the game with several players needing urgent attention to their cramps.

Marist centre Michelle Miller-Leef is pulled down in a good tackle, which was a highlight of the WOB game throughout the final. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport

Niamh having to slot back into halfback for just the second time in her playing career after Keeley-Mae Ridley was injured highlighted their sparse numbers.

After scoring again from the pick-and-go to lock Shayla Walker Tuitupou halfway through the second 40, Marist had the opportunity to win the game outright with a penalty 15 metres in from the right-hand touchline in the 79th minute.

The kick sailed wide and extra time was needed.

Marist would open the scoring with a busted tackle out wide by winger Vaiana-Marie Rima, who was able to run the ball around for an easy conversion to take a seven-point lead.

WOB, not to be outdone, let their opportunity go to waste with a 5-metre attacking line out and several one-off runners creating space out wide.

When they finally sent it through the hands, they had a several women overlap but white line fever saw them cough the ball up with no defence in sight.

It would be WOB's last gasp attempt, as they were unable to recreate a strong enough attack to challenge the Marist defence, who walked away deserving winners.

Marist captain Tamara Silcock lifts the Tasman Trophy after her team defeated WOB 26-19 in the final. Photo: Evan Barnes/Shuttersport

WOB coach Craig Logan says it's always a close game against Marist and this one didn't disappoint.

"No one's leaving anything out there."

He says he was very proud of how the girls played, having named 19 in the squad coming into the game.

"We're making no excuses."

Craig says the way the girls played was exceptional, but they didn't get the bounce of the ball in a close game.

"They all played incredibly well and a lot of them played the best they had all season."

Marist coach Billy Guyton says they knew it was always going to be a close game.

"The family spirit of the club got us there in the end.

"We stuck to our strengths."

He says prop Kolotita Lupeitu'u impressed with her ball carries and strength at scrum time, as did Vaiana-Marie for her work rate.

"What a final. It was so close, overtime and it could have gone either way."