Whakarewarewa's Nadia Flavell evades the Rotoiti defence during Sunday's game. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
Whakarewarewa's Nadia Flavell evades the Rotoiti defence during Sunday's game. PHOTO/BEN FRASER
In their first competition game since being re-established after a 10-year hiatus, Whakarewarewa's women's team came out on top in the Rotorua derby game against Rotoiti.
Whaka were up 17-0 at halftime and went on to score a 39-5 victory in the first round of this season's Baywide Women's competitionon Sunday.
Whaka player Lilly Florence. Photo/Ben Fraser
Coach Ron James said the win represented a "pleasing effort by all the girls".
"The game was really good because it's given us another insight on combinations. It's a strong positive start to everything and they are all enjoying it."
He said the team was still in the learning phase, with a mixture of experienced players who had represented the province in the women's Volcanix team, some talented younger players and several who have never played before.
"It's a learning experience for them and they are coming on really well."
Whakarewarewa have not had a side in the Baywide women's competition for a decade, with James' daughter and Bay of Plenty Volcanix captain Casey asked to start a team.
Whaka player Nadia Flavell. Photo/ Ben Fraser
"I've always played for the club and she volunteered my services [as coach]," said James.
"One of the biggest things we are looking at is culture and development and some of the girls in there are really enjoying it and starting to realise their potential."
No one from the coaching staff of Rotoiti could be reached for comment.
