The girls just get it: A triumphant weekend for women in sports

In a historic triumph on home ground, Ponsonby, a renowned Central Auckland Rugby Club, have added another gold to their trophy cabinet after a 36-11 win over Marist Women.

The Ponsonby Fillies retained the Coleman Shield for the third consecutive year on Saturday, a feat no other team has accomplished. Their performance was filled with connection, confidence, and individual brilliance.

While there was a struggle for parking at Western Springs Stadium, the gridlock reflected a beautiful problem, showcasing a packed turnout for women's sport.

Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, the Ponsonby Fillies prop and Black Ferns XV representative, was elated with the outcome and commended her club for the platform they provide for women's rugby.

“We had our Under-Nine girls running through, we’re so lucky Ponsonby is growing our girls’ rugby space,” she says.

The match was a display of full-team commitment, with Fillies spreading the ball effectively. The forwards made strong hits, and impressive kick-and-chases led to near tries, allowing them to storm to a 24-8 halftime lead.

Danny-Elle Fesolai stood out in the engine room, causing nightmares for the Marist Women as she won the one-on-one tackles and forced turnovers after turnover at the breakdown, embodying the work ethic of her forward pack.

Young winger Presayus Singh also showcased her talent, lighting up the stadium with her speed as she beat two defenders, sprinting about 80 metres to score near the sticks.

In typical Auckland fashion, inconsistent weather conditions posed no issue for the Fillies as they continued to dominate the field, allowing the bench players to gain valuable finals experience.

Saturday’s final offered a clear snapshot of the bright future of women’s rugby, highlighting the crucial role grassroots development plays in growing the game.

Danny-Elle Fesolai, left, Presayus Singh, right. Photo/PMN News/Latonya Lole

NRLW: Warriors vs Eels

Home turf success continued as the One NZ Women’s Warriors secured their first win of the season with an electrifying 14-0 performance over the Parramatta Eels.

The speed of the game demonstrated a completely different outfit from the previous week in Sydney.

Warriors’ captain Apii Nicholls led by example, holding down the fort on defence, making crucial tackles to keep Parramatta scoreless.

“Leading into this game, we said that we will show up for each other. We’ll stay connected and that’s exactly what we did,” she says.

The defensive effort was impressive, with the Warriors racking up nearly 280 tackles and their attack was equally remarkable.

Among the valiant team effort were standout performances from a couple of sevens rugby converts. Warriors’ winger Michaela Brake, who mentioned earlier in the week her focus on perfecting her role, started the game strong by scoring the opening try within the first two minutes, showcasing promising progress.

Former All Black sevens team-mate Tysha Ikensaio also starred in front of her home crowd, capitalising on a second opportunity. She chased down a kick from half Abby Curtain and finished brilliantly to seal the only try of the second half.

With a home game experience under their belts and another story written in the history book, the Women’s Warriors sent a strong message: they’re here, they’re united and they are just getting started!

Recovery will be key as they prepare to head back across the ditch to take on the 2023 Premiers, the Newcastle Knights, on Sunday at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Some of the NRLW One NZ Warrriors squad. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport.

ANZ Premiership: Pulse vs Magic

A dramatic finish unfolded at Mercury Baypark Arena in Tauranga where the Pulse stole a narrow victory from the Magic, winning 56-54, thanks to key netball players stepping up in crucial moments.

Heart rates soared as Amorangi Malesala sank a two-point supershot with just five seconds remaining, sending her team into the elimination final and proving once again why she is a force to be reckoned with.

The contest was tight for a full 60 minutes, and with the scores levelled heading into the final 15 ,there was hope that the Magic could pull off an upset.

Yet, less than a minute to go, Puise captain Kelly Jackson came up with a vital tip-off Magic Goal Shoot Saviour Tui, effectively shutting down the home side’s chances.

A quick transition between Whitney Souness and Maddy Gordon allowed Malesala to score, regaining the centre pass before sealing the deal.

But it was no easy feat for the Wellingtonians, as the Magic kept the pressure on throughout the game.

Magic Goal Keeper Erena Mikaera worked tirelessly to keep her team in contention. She put out a seasonal best performance, picking up five deflections and disrupting the shooter’s circle entry.

In the attacking end it was perfection for Tui, slotting an impressive 38/38.

Winning two quarters each, it was clear not much separated the two sides and despite the loss, the Magic’s efforts couldn’t be faulted. If Saturday’s thriller was any indication, fans can expect a riveting end to this year's ANZ Premiership Netball competition.

The Pulse now take momentum heading into the elimination final against the Mainland Tactix on Sunday at Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch. Whoever wins will meet the defending champions, the Mystics, in the final.