The new-look Tasman Mako women tried hard but went down 39-7 to Wellington Pride in the first match of the double header at Trafalgar Park today.
It looked ominous in the Farah Palmer Cup championship clash when the visitors outside backs struck in just the second minute with flying fullback Keira Su’a Smith putting winger Ivana Simani away.
The home side then held the Pride out for half an hour before veteran No.8 Jackie Patea-Feketi was awarded a try despite what appeared to be a double movement.
The Mako then hammered at the line with front rowers Stefani Mitchell and Jett Hayward leading the charge but a high pass went astray and they couldn’t convert their first half chances.
Down 15-0, the Mako opted for a penalty shot at goal but not for the first time this season Bethan Manners hit the upright.
The Pride stuck to running and centre Litia Bulicakau took off from inside her own half and beat three defenders in her sprint to the line.
Down 22-0, the Mako once more went for goal and came up empty-handed before the Pride outside backs cut loose again with two tries in three minutes and the score blew out to 34-0.
The homegrown side’s highlight was a 30 metre burst by reserve hooker Precious Auimatagi who recovered a spilt pass and cut back up the centre to beat five players and score in the 77th minute. She displayed a step, fend and finished with an in and out feint.
However the Pride hit straight back with wing Harmony Kautai grabbing a double in the 39-7 romp.
Mako captain Stephani Mitchell says it was tough outing but her young team dug deep and stuck at it quite well.
