Ferns seal Nines series win over Jillaroos

MEDIA RELEASE

Sunday, February 1, 2015

MEDIA RELEASE - Ferns seal Nines series win over Jillaroos

Three tries and bruising defence have carried the NZ Kiwi Ferns to a series victory over their Australia rivals at the Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines.

Entering Day Two with a 1-0 advantage in the three-game series, the home team clinched overall honours with a 16-4 win in Game Two.

Winger Janna Vaughan, who provided the game-winning try in the final minute yesterday, opened the scoring this time, after a quickly taken penalty in midfield provided space out wide. Vaughan ran an infield angle that carried her away from the chasing defence and under crossbar for a five-point touchdown, converted by veteran Laura Mariu.

Australia replied soon afterwards for a 7-4 halftime scoreline, but New Zealand extended their edge soon after the restart, when Nora Maaka faked and jinked her way across for another five-pointer.

The Jillaroos had no response this time and their efforts often met with a brick wall in the form of Mariu, whose tackling was a particular feature of this performance.

As time ran out, co-captain Sarina Fiso sealed the result with a try out wide and her side entered the third encounter with an unassailable advantage in the series.

"We're hoping this event will invite people to come along and give rugby league a go," Fiso said afterwards. "That's what we want.

"Nines is a very different game - not as much structure as we're used to. Nines minutes doesn't sound like much, but it certainly takes it out of you."

NZ Kiwi Ferns 16 (Janna Vaughan, Nora Maaka & Sarina Fiso tries; Laura Mariu goal) Australia Jillaroos 4 (Kellye Hodges try); HT: 7-4

Australia salvaged some consolation, when they snatched victory in Game Three, with two second-half tries to Steph Hancock and Brittany Bromyley.

Vaughan scored her third try in as many games - a five-pointer, converted by Mariu - to give the Ferns a 7-0 lead at halftime.

Again, the ferocity of their tackling had the Jillaroos on the ropes, with Maitua Feterika the standout this time.

But their rivals' pace eventually tolled, with Bromyley scoring in the final seconds to steal the win.

Mariu was named Player of the Series.

"Obviously, everyone loves big hits," admitted coach Rusty Matua. "But it was really important for us to show the general public that the girls can play at this level.

"We were aiming for a clean sweep, so we're disappointed, but hopefully we've done enough to earn another invitation from the NRL."

Australia Jillaroos 8 (Steph Hancock & Brittany Bromyley tries) NZ Kiwi Ferns 7 (Janna Vaughan try; Laura Mariu goal); HT: 0-7

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