Australian Women’s Snatch Last Gasp Victory
29 Apr 2016 @ 8:40 UTC
In a very tight tussle, it was Australia who somehow managed to keep their composure under fire and close out an amazing win considering they only hit the lead late in the second half.
In a very tight tussle, it was Australia who somehow managed to keep their composure under fire and close out an amazing win considering they only hit the lead late in the second half.
For Coach, Swain Rovelli it was welcome relief and a good win first-up.
“It was good to get that one over with and it’s good to get started with a good win.
“We were ready to go but then we started to settle and once we got a read on what we had to do, we got on top and took it away from there.
“Our changeovers were a bit slow and once we started going direct and once we nailed that, we knew that we could score tries and hold them out.
“We knew what we needed to do and where to get to and thankfully Marikki’s try sealed it at the end for us.”
New Zealand came firing out of the blocks early against Australia with and Tenika Willison and Charlotte Davis crossing early for the Kiwis.
The Captains quickly got in on the act with Lizzie Campbell crossing the stripe in the middle section then New Zealand Captain, Jean Marsh following Australia’s Hayley Maddick’s try on debut.
Tenika Willison went over for her double and was then followed by Sami Hopkins on the spot of Campbell’s earlier try.
In the second half it was Mia Johnstone who then drew Australia level with New Zealand 4-all with 13 minutes remaining.
Shellie Davis put Australia in front for the first time in the match scoring her first Trans-Tasman try soon-after with Leah Percy pushing Australia out by two (6-4).
The Kiwis’ Hayley Lee was the recipient of a great long ball left crossing out wide edging New Zealand closer before her Captain, Charlotte Davis scored her brace locking the game up at 6-all with minutes remaining.
Then at the very death and following the script of the earlier Mixed Open match, Marikki Watego crossed right on full-time to deliver Australia a last gasp 7-6 victory and an opportunity to wrap the series up tomorrow.
FINAL SCORES: Australia 7 New Zealand 6
Scorers: Australia - Campbell, Hopkins, Maddick, Johnstone, Percy, Shellie Davis, Wattego.
New Zealand - C Davis 2, Willison 2, Marsh, Lee.