Yellow card costs Volcanix dear in Manawatu loss

Baye Jacob, Bay of Plenty’s try scorer in their loss to Manawatu. Photo: Chris James

Two tries to Manawatu while they enjoyed a one player advantage has cost the Volcanix a serious chance of picking up a first win in their Farah Palmer Cup campaign in Palmerston North.

Lock Amanda Aldridge was singled out by referee Mike Fraser for a spell in the sin bin as the Bay conceded a string of defensive penalties under pressure, which enabled the home side to convert a narrow 12-10 lead into a decisive 22-10 one.

Once restored to 15 the Volcanix turned on the gas but were unable to make any inroads on the deficit.

It was a disappointing result for the Volcanix who played with intent and purpose, and had more than their fair share of control in the game.

They largely owned the first period, and created opportunities plenty, but the polish to convert them into points wouldn't come to them.

The Manawatu Cyclones had their moments looking dangerous with ball in hand, but the determined defensive work from the Volcanix held them at arm's length apart from one inspired moment from Selica Winiata. The Black Fern showed her class breaking the Volcanix defensive line to cross over in the corner, giving the Cyclones a 5-0 lead.

The match remained a stalemate until Bay of Plenty were rewarded for a long period of sustained pressure. Manawatu were penalised for offside, giving fullback Sapphire Tapsell the chance to get her side within two points from in front of the sticks.

The 5-3 lead the home side held into the second half was perhaps not a fair reflection of the match, but that was changed six minutes in when the Volcanix, continuing their determined efforts of the first half, were able to drive replacement prop Baye Jacob across the line.

Pick and go from the Volcanix provided momentum for the forwards and the try was fair reward following a number of diligent phases.

Replacement first five-eight Renee Holmes converted to see the Volcanix finally hit a deserved 10-5 lead.

Manawatu's response was not long in coming, however, with a converted try putting them back in front 12-10.

In a tight contest penalties began to creep into the game. Bay of Plenty's penalty count rose rapidly when their defensive structures were tested in broken play, which pushed the patience of referee Fraser to breaking point. Aldridge was the one selected to pay the price.

The yellow card proved the decisive moment in the game. Manawatu made the most of the numerical advantage, scoring two consecutive tries to take the lead to 22-10.

A late surge from the Volcanix followed once they had 15 back on the field. A bonus point would have been the least they deserved, and they came painfully close to earning it in the 83rd minute.

Unfortunately for them the ball was knocked on just short of the tryline and the moment was gone.

The weekend's Bay of Plenty representative rugby results:

Farah Palmer Cup:

Bay of Plenty Volcanix 10 v Manawatu 22

Jock Hobbs Memorial national under 19s tournament final:

Bay of Plenty 35 v Canterbury 30

Bay of Plenty under 18 boys:

Bay of Plenty 24 v Northland 19

Bay of Plenty under 18 girls:

Bay of Plenty 80 v Counties Manukau 7

Bay of Plenty under 16 boys/Te Waiariki under 17 Tane:

Bay of Plenty under 16s 40 v Te Waiariki under 17s 0

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