University became the inaugural holder of the HLP Cup when it beat Alhambra-Union 25-13 in the feature women's club game of the season on Saturday.
The cup is named after club stalwarts Nannette Haua (Alhambra-Union coach), Helen Littleworth (former Black Ferns captain and long-serving University coach) and Farah Palmer (former Black Ferns captain who played for both clubs).
It was a game of contrasting approaches, with University far more expansive and Alhambra-Union adopting a close-in, hard-driving style in a bid to keep the ball away from the students.
University based its performance on some outstanding play from the inside back combination of Jenna Aikman and Black Fern Anika Tiplady.
Alhambra-Union had a majority of possession and territory but made crucial errors that relieved the pressure on the students.
University's first try came from a scrum 50m out, when Aikman doubled around her blindside winger and wrong-footed defenders.
The Alhambra-Union forwards responded by pounding the University line, resulting in a try to left winger Ang Taylor.
A penalty to Tiplady was followed by a try to centre Lucy Anderson, before fullback Olivia Waldron responded with a penalty for Alhambra-Union.
University's 15-8 halftime lead was immediately under threat, and after a period of dominance and the sin-binning of a University player, Alhambra-Union prop Pip Love scored a try.
A wonderful blindside break by Tiplady resulted in a third try for the students, to Bailey Parata, while Aikman scored the fourth right on the whistle.
Loose forward Leyhana van Vugt was another top performer for University, getting through a power of work on defence.
Alhambra-Union's forwards, led by Megan Kane and Kerry Stoddart, drove with strength, and schoolgirl midfielders Courtney Martin and Lorralea Tekoi kept the pressure on their opponents.
