ARL celebrate women in league   29 Jun 2016

29/6/2016
AUCKLAND RUGBY LEAGUE
ARL celebrate women in league
For immediate release

It was all about the ladies in league on Sunday June 26 with the inaugural Marketing Works Ladies in League Day held at Mt Smart #2; a new initiative to celebrate and acknowledge all women in league.

“One of the pillars of the Auckland Rugby League’s strategic plan is to support and grow the game in all facets including the ladies game in the greater Auckland area,” said Susanne Martin, board member of the Auckland Rugby League.

“This has been a focus at the ARL for some time and it was gratifying to see such support for the Ladies Day."

“The standard of rugby league on show was outstanding and the scores of the games reflected the wonderful skills displayed by the ladies on the field.

“The games were conducted in a sporting fashion, and the continuation of events such as this can only help to grow the great game amongst the ladies of Auckland.

“Special thanks to Marketing Works, the official sponsors of Women in League for backing the occasion and supporting our ladies in league.”

The Ladies in League Day involved three big games showcasing talent from the ARL Marketing Works Women's competition.

The Marist Saints made easy work of Te Atatu Women winning 50-10 in the first game of the day before a tough battle between the Otara Sisters and the Mangere East Lady Hawks.

The Otara Sisters were up at halftime leading 12-4 but the Lady Hawks managed to overtake the Sisters in the remaining minutes to win 18-16.

It was the final game between Manurewa's Marlins Wahine and the Richmond Roses which left spectators on the edge of their seats.

A strong start to the match saw Richmond in early, using their dominant forward pack to stroll down field to score.

Both sides traded points but Richmond took the lead at halftime 16-10.

Marlins showcased great defense against their competition in the second half, but were jeopardized by the sin-binning of Cheyenne Williams.

To their advantage, Richmond got over the line adding the extras to lead 20-10.

The Roses looked to score again, but the Marlins capitalize on a dropped ball. Shuffling the ball quickly to the right, Marlins centre and Kiwi Fern Amber Kani finds a gap to score 20-14.

With 10 minutes to go, the Marlins Wahine were determined to get up, but a knock-on and handover to Richmond added pressure.

Roses Amber Pais-Hall pushes through the pack to collect her third to get up 26-14.

The cold, wet and windy conditions only got worse when the game was hit with torrential rain.

Manurewa used their speed to chase the ball down the right side of the field replying with a try, but in the end the Marlins Wahine had no answer for the Roses who stuck to their structure and executed with precision winning 26-20.

“What a fantastic day,” said Marketing Works director Megan East.

“We were delighted to be involved and to watch the six teams go boots and all.”

“I can only imagine that they all have busy lives - young children, partners, work, study - the list goes on.

“However, they make the commitment to the team and I can only guess that this is there ‘time out’.

“Well done to all those involved in such a great day.”

Richmond 26 (Tasha Davie, Lani Latoa-Williams, Amber Pais-Hall x3 tries; Laishon Jones x3 goals) BEAT Manurewa 20 (Amber Kani, Julian Poona, Grace Tauthi, Louisa Gago tries; Te Aroha Hapuku, Iriana Huriwai goals) HT: Richmond 16 Manurewa 10.

ENDS

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