Wellington Pride ran in nine unanswered tries to defeat Otago Spirit 57-nil in the season opener to the women's national provincial championship at the University Oval today.
Wellington proved too well prepared as opposed to Otago, which had only had just the one training session and many of the players still recovering from last Saturday's club final.
Full back Huia Paul was the star of a Wellington back line chock full of talent and led by Black Fern Rebecca Mahoney at first five eighth, scoring four tries and setting up two others.
Wellington Pride centre Shakira Baker and second five Maia Davidson were always a threat in mid-field. Baker scored two late tries, in an impressive manner, and along with Davidson proved gave Wellington a solid wall of defence in midfield.
The Wellington forward pack were a solid black wall all game. Flanker Shaan Waru was a player in support and in work all game. While young 19 year-old lock Jackie Patea looks a player of the future.
Despite the one-sided score line the Otago Spirit were able to take a lot of positives from a side in the rebuilding phase.
Its tight five competed well against a larger and more experienced Wellington pack. Locks Michaela Smith and Kylie Cathro impressing both in the set piece and defensively. While their work in broken play assisted the loose forward trio of Nicola Crawford, Leyhana Van Vugt and Angie Smith, with some go forward ball.
Scorers: Wellington Pride 57 (Huia Paul 4, Shakira Baker 2, Ruby Finau, Shaan Waru, Rejieli Uluinayau tries; Rebecca Mahoney 6 con), Otago Spirit 0. Halftime: 31 nil. Referee Chelsea Gurr (Canterbury).
