1 October 2024
The stage was set in the Mount for finals day, with the best wāhine taking to the field in a bid to take out the NZRL National Girls Youth Tournament.
Teams battled it out for placings before the top two in each division looked to take the crown – in the 16s we had Counties Manukau looking to go three in a row while Wellington were out to avenge their finals loss from last year.
Meanwhile, in the 18s we had two new finalists compared to 2023, with a North vs South encounter between Wellington and South Island.
GRAND FINAL: South Island Scorpions vs Wellington Orcas
Final score: Wellington 22-4
The South Island cheer team were out in full force for the 18s final, and the contest was a tough one with some big tackles early on setting the tone and continuing throughout the match. Wellington looked like the first to strike but came up short with the ball popping out the back mid-way through the first. With 6 minutes left, they managed to cross the line on the right wing to take the lead, before more territory saw them go over again just before half time.
Ten points down and South Island had it all to play for. The Scorpions got close but dropped it 5m out, before Wellington ceased their opportunities again putting in another two tries, one a nice run down the wing.
Much to the cheer squads delight, South Island were able to fight back and put two late tries on the board but unfortunately it was too late, and Wellington secured their first girls youth title.
Coach of the Tournament Award: Ken Laban (Wellington)
Trainer of the Tournament Award: Henry Ulisese (Counties Manukau)
MVP of the Final: Luca-Bella Ngatuere-Ongley (Wellington)
Emerging Talent: Kyra-Lee Westland (South Island)
MVP of the Tournament: Dormay Laufiso (South Island)
GRAND FINAL: Counties Manukau Stingrays v Wellington Orcas
Final score: Counties Manukau 24-8
With Counties winning 18-4 last year, Wellington was looking to start strong and make their mark. However, it was Counties who came out firing, opening the scoring early through standout player Asha Taumoepeau Williams. Another came quickly after, dotting down after regathering the high ball, before Taumoepeau Williams went over again on the left wing. With too much possession, 24-0 at half time looked daunting for Wellington.
The Orcas did reset going into the second half though, with two tries keeping them in the hunt. They nearly went over a third time but unfortunately coughed up the ball close to the line. Counties too had a try disallowed, and in the end, it was too little too late for Wellington, Counties taking out their third title 24-8.
Coach of the Tournament Award: Edward (Nick) Hennessy (Manawatu)
Trainer of the Tournament Award: Rob Nepia (Southern Zone)
MVP of the Tournament: Asha Taumoepeau Williams (Counties Manukau)
Emerging Talent: Chrisena Nathan (Northland)
For all results visit sporty.co.nz
For all live-streamed matches, head to YouTube
