Harlies pip Wanderers in prelim final

Sports

By JACK AMI
HARLEQUINS pipped Wanderers 20-19 in the Capital Rugby Union women’s elimination final last Saturday.
Harlies will meet Nova in the premiership decider.
Harlequins withstood a surging Wanderers in the second half to hold on to the slimmest of victories.
Harlies co-coaches Margaret Naua and Kymlie Rapilla credited their side’s fitness and preparation for the win. “We focused on getting the small things right from the start and to work hard throughout the game and it worked out for us,” Rapilla said.
“We never beat Wanderers in the regular season and knew we were underdogs coming in but that made us play harder.
“Our captain Marie Biyama was a standout with three tries and one of them was the match winner that got us over the line.
Halfback Talesanga Bagita provided good services to her backs and marshalled the Harlies pack well while flankers Patricia Koko and Cassandra Sampson were prominent on attack and on defence.
Wanderers captain Manda Ipat and speedster Joan Lagona were outstanding but needed more support from their teammates.
Despite leading for most of the match, Wanderers conceded a try to Biyama late in the game and could not find a response as they bow out of the finals.