Women's Rugby: Bay of Plenty Volcanix unbeaten after two games

Bay of Plenty Volcanix winger Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly slips through a couple of tackles against the Hawke's Bay Tuis on Saturday. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Bay of Plenty Volcanix remain at the top of the Farah Palmer Cup Championship table after a 24-10 win over the Hawke's Bay Tuis yesterday.The win gives Bay of Plenty rugby ultimate bragging rights in the battle to be the "best Bay" after the men's side also beat their Hawke's Bay rivals in Rotorua last month.

Volcanix coach Brendon Webby said it was a win built on a solid defensive effort.

"It was hard fought, it was quite windy in Napier, and the girls were really resolute on defence. We showed a lot of really good intent there and showed a lot of character," Webby said.

The Volcanix led 14-0 at halftime.

"They came at us really hard in the second half, we were under a lot of pressure and actually did really well. It's a cliche, but it really was a game of two halves.

"We were dominant in the first half but we sort of took the foot off the throat a little bit in the second half and let them back into it. But through resolute defence we were able to grind out the win."

Webby said being able to "win ugly" was a promising sign for the team.

"To get a win in what wasn't a complete performance means that we've got a lot of work to do to reach our potential. We'll be back into it this week, working hard and trying to reach that potential.

"To get a win away from home and get a bonus point is really important. But every game is going to be tough and we're taking it week by week.

"Our set piece was good in the first half, we were dominant there. We actually lost another prop to a season-ending injury - Baye Jacob broke her leg. We're a little bit light there at the moment so we're going to have to do a bit of work there.

"It just reiterates the fact that we've got a good squad and we'll be relying on everyone."

The standout players for the Volcanix were No 8 Sequoia Te Aonui and debutant halfback Jade Tuilaepa.

"Sequoia had a great game - she had a couple of really crucial turnovers, she carries well and has a good physical presence about her.

"Young Jade was chucked in at halfback on debut for the Volcanix and she performed well under a lot of pressure. Their halfback was an old campaigner, she was really tough and niggly, but Jade handled herself well.

"Hawke's Bay were tenacious and it was pretty scrappy. They try and force you into errors but our girls held well and stuck to the defensive system, which was really pleasing to see. That's what won us the game in the end."

In comparison to previous seasons, Bay of Plenty having a win and a draw after two rounds is a huge improvement.

"If you look at the stats, that's only the second win in about three years. It's good and we're still building, which is the main thing.

"[This week] we're probably going to work a little bit on our off the field stuff, our mindset and our confidence - trying to have a bit more belief in our ability.

"We've got some really talented girls who probably need to see a bit more evidence of what they can do before they believe it but we're definitely working towards that. It's definitely in them, they just need a bit more self-belief," he said.

Bay of Plenty Representative Results

Mitre 10 Cup:
Bay of Plenty Steamers 20 v Manawatu Turbos 17

Mitre 10 Farah Palmer Cup:
Bay of Plenty Volcanix 24 v Hawke's Bay Tuis 10

Bay of Plenty Under-18 Mens:
Bay of Plenty Under-18s 17 v Waikato 11

Bay of Plenty Under-16:
Bay of Plenty Under-16s 15 v Counties Manukau U16s 11

Bay of Plenty Under 18 Womens:
Bay of Plenty Under 18s 49 v Waikato 0

Bay of Plenty Pasifika:
Bay of Plenty Pasifika 26 v Waikato Samoa 24