Victoria Tavern Trophy Final Preview

Last two results: 

Ories 62- OBU 10, Round 10, Victoria Tavern Trophy, 2017

Ories 35- OBU 5, Round 5, Victoria Tavern Trophy, 2017 

Ories are clear favourities. It’s hard to see OBU recovering from two resounding losses to Ories this season although finals pressure can do funny things. 

OBU’s captain Gina Williamson believes the lopsided results doesn’t fully reflect her team’s performances in those games.    

“Obviously we’ve had some pretty big margins against them but what the margins haven’t shown is how much we have pushed them in those games and how competitive we have been”

“For us, the key focus will be to play our game and keep to our structures. If we can focus on defence, we’ll push them hard” 

Ories have been a cut above all opposition this year and they’ll be aiming to cap their year off with a strong performance. Watch out for their winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga, who has already dotted down for 10 tries this season.

Ories captain Raylene Lolo is happy with her team’s mindset heading into the big match. 

“We feel relaxed. Everyone’s always amped when it gets to this stage. We’ve played the last four finals now, so nothing changes we’ll be excited but not too excited!”

She believes Joanah Ngan-Woo and Faasua Makisi will be important players for her side. 

“Joanah will be a key player. We don’t even know how she manages to offload in the tackle! She is smart and a very strong player. We also have strong outside backs like Faasua Makisi”

Lolo is proud of the “simple things” her team have achieved this year such as their ability to consistently master the ‘draw and pass’. She feels her team must keep to their high standards to win. 

“Accountability and ownership will be important for us. If you’re there, you’re it- that’s our team motto. We also want to work really hard on defence, particularly against OBU” 

There is little doubt, finals bring another level of pressure and expectation. Attitude, defence and decision-making come to the fore. The form book can sometimes go out the window, at least that’s what OBU fans will be hoping.  

Senior Women’s Final: Petone v Paremata-Plimmerton, 12.00pm 

Last two results: 

Petone 40- Paremata-Plimmerton 27, Round 8, 2017

Petone 24- Paremata-Plimmerton 0, Round 3, 2017

Petone head into the final as favourties, following an unbeaten season and a staggering +206 points difference. Petone’s key player will be Kiani Tahere-Porter, the left-winger is the competition’s leading points and try-scorer. 

Petone have won the last two matches between the two sides, including a dominant performance in Round 3. Expect a great match to cap off another great season of rugby.