Rugby: Fifth title in row for Kelly's heroes

Alhambra-Union halfback Kelly Brazier scores a try in the tackle of Pirates flanker Rachel Ovens...
Alhambra-Union halfback Kelly Brazier scores a try in the tackle of Pirates flanker Rachel Ovens in the Dunedin women's premier club rugby final at the North Ground on Saturday. Photo by Jane Dawber.
Black Fern Kelly Brazier was in a dominant mood and scored four tries to help Alhambra-Union win its fifth successive Dunedin premier women's title on Saturday.

Alhambra-Union controlled the game from the start and scored seven tries to beat Pirates 43-0 in wet conditions at the North Ground.

Five tries were scored in the first spell to make the score 29-0.

The constant rain made conditions difficult in the second spell when Alhambra-Union added two more tries.

Brazier added four conversions to score 28 points and take her tally for the club season to 264, including 26 tries.

She is a utility back for the Black Ferns and Otago Spirit, but returned to her favourite position at halfback for the final.

Brazier has an eye for the gap and her long, crisp passing gave the fleet-footed Alhambra-Union backline space.

She teamed efficiently with fellow Black Fern Carla Hohepa, who was a skilled distributor at first five-eighth.

She had a skilled eye for the gap and scored a late first-half try to ram home the advantage.

Nikita Fitzgerald was lively in the midfield and added to her team's attacking potential with the loop-around.

Diminutive winger Maruia Haua used her speed to score two tries.

The Alhambra-Union pack made ground with its driving rushes up the centre to put Pirates on the back foot.

The loose forward trio of Kerry Stoddart, Megan Kane and Rachel Scott dominated the breakdown.

Stoddart made strong bursts with the ball in hand to get over the advantage line.

Locks Nicky Crawford and Michaela Smith were dominant in the tight and stopped Pirates in its tracks with strong tackling.

They also controlled the lineout and stole three takes off Pirates throws in the first spell.

The strong front row of Courtney Sullivan, Jessica Tuhega and Gemma Tuhega gave Pirates the advantage in the scrum.

Flanker Rachel Ovens was a strong mauler.

Pirates had an efficient midfield defence with Vanessa Macdonald and Victoria Nafatali.

Women's final
The scores
Alhambra-Union 43
Kelly Brazier 4, Maruia Haua 2, Carla Hohepa tries; Kelly 4 con
Pirates 0
Halftime: Alhambra-Union 29-0

 

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