WOMEN'S RUGBY: Marshall stars as Taradale thrash Massey

Shane Hurndell
It was another one of those Kathryn Marshall shows as Taradale remained unbeaten in the Hawke's Bay-Manawatu women's club rugby competition at the weekend.
Marshall ran in seven of her side's 18 tries in a 102-0 walloping of Massey in Palmerston North on Saturday. The Hawke's Bay second five-eighth has scored 26 tries to date this season.
Her midfield partner, Marise Te Hiko, who also had a stint at first five-eighth, grabbed a hat-trick in the third round encounter.
Te Hiko was one of five secondary school players who took the field for Taradale as coach Arthur Brown gave his bench players plenty of game time. Halfback Gemma Woods operated well behind a dominant pack and kicked six conversions.
Prop Gina Pomana and flanker Moana Davis were again inspirational figures in the Taradale pack.
Eskview staged a mighty second half comeback to record their first victory in the competition on Saturday. They beat Bush 22-17 at Pahiatua after trailing 17-0 at halftime.
"We struggled to adapt to the wet and miserable conditions in the first spell but ran in some good tries in the second," co-coach Roger Aranui said.
Centre Theresa Momoisea, winger Krystal Graham, lock Mel Smith and flanker Karlee Waru were all prominent in the comeback.
Clive were also forced to come from behind as they beat MAC 22-19 in the clash of the previously unbeaten sides at Farndon Park on Saturday.
MAC led 19-5 at halftime.
First five-eighth Nerina Hawkins and centre Deidre Hakopa used their experience well in the winning backline.
Loose forward Leanne Nelson and hooker Sara Chalmers were the best of the Clive forwards.
Flanker Luana Lelei was MAC's player-of-the-day. First five-eighth Te Maari MacGregor and No.8 Sandra Oli also impressed for the visitors.
Kia Toa's Black Ferns captain Farah Palmer praised Hastings Rugby and Sports "never say die" approach in their 61-0 loss at Ellwood Park yesterday.
"For such a young and small team you guys battled well," Palmer said at the after-match function.
Halfback Hayley Saunders, winger Amber Grant, lock-No 8 Amy Fryer and winger Urika Harmer were among the hosts best players. Brown was among the spectators and said he has been impressed with the way Kia Toa has improved in recent weeks and his side can expect a tough encounter against them in Pamerston North on Saturday.
Western Suburbs were unlucky not to score a try on several occasions when beaten 77-0 by their hosts Linton on Saturday.
Suburbs produced some competitive patches during which prop Diane Kiwara, halfback Hirani Scia Scia and hooker Annette Burgan were all valuable contributors.