News

The Counties Power Heat have scored their first win of the Farah Palmer Cup season with a 21-13 win over Bay of Plenty at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Saturday.

The home side bounced back from last week’s disappointing opening week loss to Canterbury to win their first match on home soil.

“I was really proud of our defensive game, plenty of grit and fight despite not having a lot of ball,” coach JP Faamausili said. “The team overall showed good character and resilience to come back after a tough game last week.

“The effort and intent was definitely there especially at set piece where our Black Ferns in the front row really stood up.

“Hazel Tubic was outstanding, managing the team around the park with her kicking game, while the work rates of our loose forwards led by Ti Tauasosi were very impressive.”

Faamausili has identified one key area where he wants to see his side improve over the coming weeks however.

“Ball retention is still an area we need to work on, where we have struggled consistently to put Bay of Plenty under any pressure, but we have another week to work on those areas and hopefully be better next week against Otago,” he explained.

“I’m very pleased at the progress we’ve made so far. The team is learning and getting better each week they’re together.”

Next game: Counties Power Heat v Otago | Sunday 01 August | 12:05pm | Navigation Homes Stadium

Buy tickets: https://bit.ly/3x7NXnT