In wet and wild conditions, the New Zealand Kahu added their first ever win to the record books, beating PNG by 3 points in their second match of the Pacific Cup.
Once again the Kahu started fast with Latisha Trigwell-Achmad, booting the loose ball, from the ground, straight through the uprights inside the first minute of the game. The Kahu’s Forward pressure was great, locking the ball in PNG’s half for a large part of the quarter. PNG continued to battle the pressure and slowly managed to tie the game up by the end of the quarter.
The second quarter was a tough back and froward battle. The Kahu managing to string together some great kicks and work their way up the ground, while PNG’s scramble defence saw them get back, flood the forward 50 and disrupt the Kahu’s attack on goal. Managing to kick one behind through, the Kahu entered the Half time break, ahead by one point.
The Conditions continued to make the game a tough challenge between the two sides. The Kahu, unable to grab a clean look kept the scoreboard ticking over with a few behinds. PNG wouldn’t be held scoreless for a second quarter in a row though, making the most of their opportunities they kicked a goal to go ahead. The Kahu , knowing the stakes, reset and picked up the tempo, keeping the ball on their attacking end, and getting their selves set, for a huge final quarter.
One goal was all it was going to take for the Kahu to secure the win, and the girls got behind each other and worked hard to defuse, PNG’s attack and work the ball round to the other end of the ground. With just under 7 minutes left on the clock, Zoe Gullery takes a mark inside 50, lines herself up and slots it, the Kahu take the lead. Only 3 points separating the two sides and time left on the clock, the game was still in the balance. An unfortunate injury which stopped the clock gave the Kahu a chance to reset get their breath back and prepare for the biggest 3 minutes of footy they have played so far.
Time ticked down and the final siren rang, the crowd cheering and the interchange came streaming on to the field, everyone cheering and elated with what they had just been able to achieve. Not only does this win make the first ever victory for the Kahu, but it also keeps the Kahu’s Pacific Cup hopes alive, and gives them the confidence that they have what it takes to go all the way.
The Kahu must beat Tonga in their next clash to go through to finals. Tune in to our Facebook and Instagram to follow along and get the link to the Livestreams
