Maynard among try scorers in World Cup romp

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

GISBORNE born-and-bred Nita Maynard followed up her debut test with a first international try at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup yesterday.

The Kiwi Ferns dummy half was among the tryscorers in a 76-0 pool play romp over the Cook Island in Sydney.

Maynard, 25, debuted in a 50-4 win against Canada in New Zealand’s opening pool game last week.

Yesterday, she played another prominent role from the bench as the Kiwi Ferns ran in 14 tries, including six to winger Honey Hireme.

Sydney-based former Lytton High student Maynard marked a busy and efficient performance with a try in the 68th minute.

Probably the smallest player on the field, she took on the Cook Islands defence from the play-the-ball and managed to ground the ball although it took the video ref several looks before it was confirmed.

Former Black Ferns rugby international Hireme, nicknamed “Honey Bill Williams” after All Blacks superstar Sonny Bill Williams, was at her explosive best. She ran for 211 metres in total, made eight line breaks and had an assist as she took her try tally to eight for the tournament.

Centre Shontelle Woodman, back-rower Krystal Murray and five-eighth Raecene McGregor all crossed for doubles.

The Kiwi Ferns are guaranteed to finish top of pool B as they attempt to wrestle back the world cup from Australia.

They face Papua New Guinea in their final pool game on Wednesday.

In other matches yesterday, defending champions Australia whitewashed England 38-0 and Canada beat PNG 22-8.