Three tries to Black Fern Carla Hohepa helped secure a valuable first up 38-24 victory for the Otago Spirit in the women's NPC rugby match at the University Oval.
After outplaying Wellington in all facets in the first half, to lead 26 nil, Otago were less convincing in the second spell, allowing the Wellington to spread the ball wide and expose weaknesses on Otago's openside.
Wellington brought more mobility to his forward pack in the second half through halftime replacements Jasmine Stevenson and Jackie Pateu at locks and prop Lipea Tuioti, from which they were able to build a base and trouble Otago's defensive game.
Scores: Otago Spirit 38 (Carla Hohepa (3), Zoe Berry, Beth Mallard, Megan Kane tries; Zoe Berry 4 conversions), Wellington 24 (Rebecca Wilton (2), Aimee Sutorious, Jessie Saolele tries; Kat Simpkins 2 conversions). Half-time: Otago 26-0. Referee: Tim Baker.
