Match Report: Round 4 v Hurricanes Poua
The first game of Round 4 saw Matatū travel up north to Wellington to face the winless Hurricanes Poua.
Matatū took an early advantage in the match, starting strongly with a try in the 6th minute from Kaipo Olsen-Baker. Hannah King added the conversion to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
In the 12th minute, Matatū doubled their lead with another try from Keighley Simpson, who had just been subbed on, which was also converted by King, pushing the score to 14-0.
The Hurricanes Poua responded swiftly, with Ngano Tavake crossing the line in the 16th minute. Cassie Siataga converted to bring the score to 14-7, showing that the home side were far from out of the contest.
Matatū continued to dominate the initial stages of the first half, with further tries coming from Winnie Palamo in the 20th minute and Lucy Jenkins in the 24th, as well as some solid kicking from King. At 26-7, Matatū looked in control.
However, the Hurricanes Poua fought back before the break. In the 27th minute, the always dangerous Ayesha Leti-I'iga scored a try, and Siataga’s conversion made it 26-14. As halftime neared, the Poua made another statement with Elinor Plum-King’s try in the 40th minute, converted by Siataga, bringing the score to 26-19.
Half-Time Score:
Matatū 26 - 19 Hurricanes Poua
Second Half:
The second half started with a strong response from the Hurricanes Poua. Just minutes after the restart, Leilani Hakiwai powered over for a try and the Poua were back within striking distance at 26-24.
However, Matatū weren’t about to let the game slip away. The visitors regained their composure and began to reassert themselves in the match.
In the 55th minute, Maia Joseph crossed the try line for Matatū, and with King’s successful conversion, they reclaimed a 33-24 lead.
The visitors extended their lead further in the 60th minute, as Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who had already scored earlier in the match, added another try to her tally. King’s conversion made it 40-24, with Matatū now firmly in control.
The final blow came in the 70th minute when captain Alana Bremner sealed the win with a try, assisted by Winnie Palamo. King added the conversion, and Matatū took a commanding 47-26 lead.
Despite late pressure from the Hurricanes Poua, Matatū’s defense stood strong, and the match ended with the visitors securing a well-deserved 47-24 victory.
Final Score:
Matatū 47 - 26 Hurricanes Poua
Matatū showcased clinical attacking play and resilience, with their early dominance in the first half complemented by strong second-half performances from key players like Joseph, Olsen-Baker, and Bremner. The Hurricanes Poua fought hard, particularly in the second half, but ultimately couldn’t match the firepower of the visitors.