As the Howick Hornets Rugby League Football Club’s premier men had no game over the long weekend, the premier women (‘Nets) held down the fort as they played host to the Mount Albert Lionesses.
The ‘Nets started with gusto in attack, crossing for the first four pointer of the day scored and converted by star centre Saphire Abraham.
Mt Albert would go on to defend their red zone in fine fashion and eventually earn themselves ‘good ball’ and momentum – which they wouldn’t waste.
The Lionesses went on from here in the first half, with classy shifts, and freakish bounces of the ball resulting in 22 unanswered points.
The ‘Nets staged a major second half comeback at the hands of atomic dummy half, Zayde Sarah-Baldwin, who scored a brace of tries and was ultimately named player of the match.
After 80 minutes of league, the match ended in a 26-all draw.
It’s a big week for the east Auckland club as they gear up for a double header at North Harbour Stadium for Wednesday night league.
Both games will be televised on the Auckland Rugby League YouTube channel as well as Sky Sport 4.
Howick Hornets Rugby League Results:
Women’s Premiership
Howick Hornets vs Mount Albert Lionesses
HT: Howick 6 – Mount Albert 22
FT: Howick 26 – Mount Albert 26
Tries: Saphire Abraham, Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono, Ma’atuleio Fotu-Moala, Zayde Sarah-Baldwin (2),
Conversion(s): Saphire Abraham (3)
Women’s Premiership Standings
| PLACE | TEAM | PLAYED | WON | DRAWN | LOST | POINTS | + / – | |
| 1 | OTARA SCORPIONS | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 12 | + 120 | |
| 2 | HOWICK HORNETS | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | + 122 | |
| 3 | MOUNT ALBERT LIONS | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 | + 42 | |
| 4 | CITY | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 8 | – 10 | |
| 5 | OTAHUHU LEOPARDS | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | – 76 | |
| 6 | MANUREWA MARLINS | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | – 84 | |
| 7 | TANIWHARAU | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | – 114 |
Howick Hornets Upcoming Fixtures;
Round 5 Fox Memorial Premiership- Howick Hornets Premier Men VS Papakura Sea Eagles Premier Men at North Harbour Stadium- Wednesday June 7, 6pm.
Round 7 Women’s Premiership- Howick Hornets Premier Women VS Manurewa Marlins Premier Women at North Harbour Stadium- Wednesday June 7, 8pm.
