Cook Islands Moana Triumphs Over PNG Orchids in Pacific Bowl Opener

Cook Islands Moana launched their Pacific Championships Bowl campaign with a commanding 34-6 victory over the Papua New Guinea Orchids in Port Moresby on October 19, 2024. This match marked a significant turnaround for the Moana team, which had previously struggled against the Orchids, having lost their last encounter 28-20 in 2023.

Led by veteran captain and fullback Kiana Takairangi, the Moana women showcased their strength by scoring seven tries, while the Orchids managed only one. Notably, winger Paulina Morris-Ponga shone brightly, securing a hat-trick and contributing 12 points to her team’s total.

Kicking off the action, Emily Veivers opened the scoring for the Orchids in the seventh minute, converting her own try to establish an early 6-0 lead. However, the momentum quickly shifted when Morris-Ponga scored her first try in the 11th minute, leveling the match at 6-6.

The Cook Islands continued to build on that momentum. Chantay Kiria-Ratu executed a brilliant solo effort in the 16th minute, slicing through the Orchids’ defense to score and convert, giving her team a 12-6 lead. Morris-Ponga added another try in the 21st minute, followed by Hannah Makira scoring just before half-time, resulting in a 20-6 advantage for the Cook Islands at the break.

The first half was played under challenging conditions, with temperatures around 31 degrees Celsius at the Santos National Football Stadium. The Orchids struggled to find their rhythm, managing only a brief period of offensive success. Conversely, the Cook Islands appeared well-prepared and organized, demonstrating effective teamwork.

The second half saw Memory Paitai score on her debut in the 42nd minute, extending the Moana’s lead to 24-6. As fatigue set in, the Cook Islands kept their foot on the gas, with Kerehitina Matua powering over the line in the 59th minute to boost the score to 30-6. Morris-Ponga capped off a stellar performance with her third try, sealing the score at 34-6.

Statistics from the match highlighted the Cook Islands’ dominance, with possession skewed in their favor at 58 percent compared to 42 for PNG. The Moana also boasted a completion rate of 78 percent, completing 189 passes against the Orchids’ 125.

Looking ahead, the Cook Islands Moana will face Tonga XIII in the second round of the Pacific Bowl on October 26, 2024. Meanwhile, the Fetu Samoa team is set to take on New Zealand in Auckland on the same day, marking the first women’s clash of the Pacific Cup competition.