Manawatu Women's Side Lose Another Nailbiter

Manawatu completely dominated the first half of the match virtually camping in the BOP 22', but couldn't break the BOP defence. Manawatu frequently displayed good lead up work throughout, only to be undone by a committed BOP defence and a bad handling day by wings Gemma Pearson and Nina Pineaha-Hyslop.

When Manawatu finally finished off one of their attacking plays it was elusive fullback Pauline Chadwick who crossed the line. BOP were far more dangerous in the second half with Megan Young scoring off the back of improved possession and territory, to level the match up at 5-all.

The match went back and forth throughout the remainder of the second spell without either side being able to break the deadlock until Shelford broke the hearts of the Manawatu players, management and supporters by slotting the match-winning penalty.

Hooker and Captain Farah Palmer was her usual inspirational self on attack and defence for Manawatu. While the Manawatu halves combination of Selica Winiata and Zoe Berry looked slick throughout, directing play with authority and vision. Centre Tuera Pirikahu impressed with several charging runs that would have caught the eye of Black Ferns Coach Jed Rowlands, who was on hand for the encounter.