Bay touch team pipped in nationals final
Hawke's Bay's over-27 women's touch team manager Honey Amner reckons an "unlucky referee's call" proved costly for her side in today's final at the Christchurch-hosted nationals.
Hawke's Bay, who were captained by Candis Timms (pictured above), were beaten 6-5 by Counties-Manukau after trailing 3-2 at halftime and being up 5-4 with three minutes remaining. Counties-Manukau scored two touchdowns during the final two minutes to claim the title.
"Rachel [Hawke's Bay coach Tongia] was preparing for a drop off. One of our players was offside but instead of giving the penalty the ref gave the touchdown," former New Zealand rep Amner explained.
"Our whole team performed well in the pouring rain ... both teams did," Amner added.
"It was super exciting and while we had some unlucky calls we also had five debutants and finals footy was a new experience to them," former Australia open women's rep and New Zealand age group rep Tongia explained.
Tongia pointed out link player Patrice Mareikura again performed out of her skin and middle players Hinerangi Temara and Sara Corbett also shone.
"All of our players are keen to come back next year. I was rapt with how the entire squad committed to another eight weeks of traning after the tournament was postponed in March.
"It's been a big season for them and while we would have loved to finish with a better result that's finals footy," Tongia said.
Tongia was unavailable to play after becoming pregnant but will be available next year.
