This was a very new look Roses team with only four from last year’s Grand Final team taking the field and ten players making their Roses debut today.
As expected, it was a very tough and physical battle out there today with some solid defence from both teams.
The Roses got out to a good controlled start forcing two repeat sets in the first 10 minutes but unfortunately were unable to convert that into points.
Papakura managed to work their way down the field in the next couple of sets and scored in the corner thanks to a well placed grubber kick. The side line conversion successful making it 6-0 to the visiting Papakura side.
The tight tussle continued before Papakura found themselves over the try line again with some strong running. Conversion successful 12-0.
In the final ten minutes of the 1st half the Roses were able to get on the board with a try to Shontelle Woodman with a conversion to Api Nicholls to close the gap to 12-6.
Papakura were quick to reply with a strong run from their prop who scored. Conversion was successful taking it back out to a 12-point lead-18-6 to Papakura.
The Roses had the last set before half time, worked their way up the mid field and Maraea Ah Kuoi-Atmore was able to work her way over from dummy half to score under the posts. Api Nicolls converted to close out the 1st half, 18-12 to Papakura.
Papakura were able to extend their lead just three minutes into the second half scoring down the edge. Conversion was successful, 24-12 to Papakura.
Rowena Koonwaiyou made a 30m break to get the Roses on the front foot however Papakura were strong in defence and were able to close out the set.
The Roses were camped on their line for back to back sets, but some strong defence saw them keep their defence line intact.
The Roses were able to work their way down the field and put the pressure on Papakura eventually succeeding with Roses captain Georgia Hale scoring a try next to the post. Api converted the try to close the gap to 24-18 to Papakura.
The back end of the second half was back to a battle with neither team able to get the upper hand. There was solid defence from both teams which included a dominating hit put on by Rowena Koonwaiyou on one of the Papakura prop forward to shut down a try scoring opportunity.
With four minutes to go the Roses put a kick through to the corner however the Papakura winger was able to scoop up the loose ball and run sixty metres down the side line. She was on her way to the try line only to be cut down by Kaiyah Atai who came from across the field.
Final score was 24-18 to Papakura -a well-deserved but hard-fought win.
Although the result didn’t go to the Roses way it was still a good first hit out for our young ladies and a solid effort by the whole team.
Tries: Shontelle Woodman, Maraea Ah Kuoi-Atmore, Georgia Hale.
Conversions: 3/3 Api Nicholls
Thanks to our Richmond Roses sponsors
- Tony Murray Electrical Inspections
- Savi Hafoka from SS Solutions
- Marra Family.
This week’s Roses $100 Player of the Day sponsored by SS Solutions:
- Maraea Atmore & Georgia Hale
Maraea played her first game in the hooker role and played a solid 80 minutes. Captain Georgia was present all around the field topping the tackle count with 34 tackles & 14 hit ups.
Roses Player of the day points
3 - Maraea Atmore & Georgia Hale
2 - Madison Bartlett (debuted in the second row)
1 - Kaylarnee Meleisea-Murray (debuted in halfback)
The Roses Management team would like to congratulate the following ladies who made their debuts for the Roses today:
- Api Nicholls (Fullback)
- Nikita Ngarongo-Porima (Centre)
- Kaylarnee Meleisea-Murray (Half Back)
- Bernadette Fidow (Prop)
- Chloe Clarke (Prop)
- Kaiyah Atai (2nd Row)
- Carmel Uhila (Interchange)
- Mere Mailo (Interchange)
- Natasha Dallow (Interchange)
- Linda Hellesoe (Interchange)
We also had a small jersey presentation before the game to acknowledge the four Under 18 Rosebuds who have now transitioned into the Premiership Women’s grade. Two of these young ladies Maraea Atmore & Rowena Koonwaiyou debuted for the Roses last season. The jerseys were presented to Maraea Atmore, Kaiyah Atai, Carmel Uhila & Rowena Koonwaiyou by their Under 18s coaches John Nanai & Sam Mamea, along with Under 18s managers Renee Ngamu & Tasha Davie.
We must give special mention to ex Kiwi Fern & Club Legend Tasha Davie
for all the hard work she has put in getting these girls grades up and running in 2017. Tasha noticed a gap in the game for females and got to work trying to fill that void becoming a visionary and the driving force behind pioneering the girl’s grades starting.