The Columba College centre scored the opener — and the finisher — to bring her tally to six tries in her side’s 87-0 thrashing of Central Southland College in the regional schoolgirls final at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
Columba were dominant from the first whistle and were relentless in front of their home fans.
Eason’s footwork and strength through the defenders were admirable — and her finishing ability was sensational.
Back Lyla Bowering also picked up a hat-trick and prop Taylor Anderson bustled over twice.
Eason scored in the corner in the opening minutes and the rest followed to jump out to a 17-0 lead.
They ploughed on from there and led 48-0 at the break.
Central Southland struggled to get their tackle height right and were penalised for it.
It ended with fullback Sophie Dahlenburg spending 10 minutes in the bin in the second half.
Lock Arnika Crawford was then yellow-carded for diving on the ball at the ruck and left the visitors down to 13, which did not help.
Central Southland defended their hearts out all game but Columba, who were beaten 24-14 by St Hilda’s in the metropolitan schoolgirls final during the week, were classy in their approach and never skipped a beat, determined to score.
Columba, coached by Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph and assistant Riki Flutey, used the quick tap to their advantage all game, preferring to keep the ball in hand than use their set piece.
Obviously, it paid off.
They created a swarm of tries by getting the ball edge to edge and using pick-and-goes, and their back three gassed it when it mattered.
Columba will now play either Craighead or Christchurch Girls’ in the South Island final.
