Clive dethrone Texans in Bay women's rugby final
Superior fitness and experience propelled Clive Rugby and Sports to title glory in tonight's Hawke's Bay women's club rugby championship final at Napier's McLean Park.
Clive (pictured above, photo/Chris Kiely) beat defending champions Napier Technical 29-24 after leading 17-12 at halftime. The Texans did well to establish an early 12-0 lead considering they had lost 11 players from last year's squad and they deserve kudos for the competitive display produced.
However, Clive proved why they completed an unbeaten season with a composed performance. Inside back, Amy Williams, who was a world champion Black Fern in 2006, directed play well.
Experienced 51-year-old No 8 Deidre Hakopa hinted before the match this could be her swansong. If it is she couldn't have chosen a better farewell game on a field where she scored five tries for the Hawke's Bay Tui in a 100-5 drubbing of Southland in 2003.
That is still a Hawke's Bay record. Fellow loosie Laurae Blake was dynamic around the fringes for Clive and her fellow flanker Holly MacDonald was a workaholic.
Winger Danielle Mackay and second five-eighth Jaimee Robin were thirsty for work in the Clive backline.
Busy No 8 Kathleen Brown was powerful on the carry for the Texans. Props Jen Simati and Heaven Spooner were also inspirational in the Tech pack. Player-coach and first five-eighth Chanel Atkin and centre Michaela Baker were the pick of the Tech backs.
Scorers:
Clive Rugby and Sports 29 (Nicolette Adamson 2, Amy Williams, Leilani Hakiwai, Jannali Johnson tries; Williams 2 cons), Napier Technical 24 (Kathleen Brown, Tori Iosefo, Tamia Edwards, Juliette Lolofie tries; Michaela Baker 2 cons). HT: 17-12.
