Tempe Women v Nor Cal Triple Threat Match Report

Tempe women took their game on the road for the first time this season. Tempe started off very slow, taking a bit of time to adjust to the turf and the heat. Nor Cal took full advantage of the lethargic start and attacked straight up the middle of the field. Dynamic play by Nor Cal’s flanker and 8-man put Nor Cal on the board first at the 20 minute mark. Conversion was good and the score was 0-7. Tempe had yet to find the fire and Nor Cal was still hitting hard, within 10 minutes, Nor Cal was scoring again off a few missed tackles. Conversion no good, score 0-12. Tempe launched a few solid attacks but was not able to get the ball across in to the try zone. The halftime whistle blew and it was 0 – 12 Nor Cal.

Half time found a renewed fight in Tempe, but Nor Cal would not let up. At the 50 minute mark, Nor Cal put in another well executed try, conversion no good, score 0-17. Tempe finally started to find their groove and at the 55 minute mark, big pressure by the Tempe forwards created bad ball for the Nor Cal backs. Terri Wilson intercepted a pass and ran it in under the posts. Conversion was good and Tempe was finally on the board 7-17. With the swing in momentum, Tempe was on the attack and Nor Cal found themselves on their heals. 10 minutes later, Tempe forwards poached a ball, and spun it out to the backs. Flyhalf Toni Fujiwara put up a chip kick that had a generous bounce in to winger Alea Newman’s hands. Some evasive running and Alea was in the try zone. Conversion no good. Score 12-17.

Tempe continued the attack and brought the ball back down the field. Another half-break by Terri Wilson with a nice offload to Andrea Dunn into space. Nor Cal was able to get under the ball and the try was no good. 5 meter scrum to Tempe. A solid scrum by Tempe set up an 8-man pick by Kanisha Saunders who went weak. Winger Alli Underhill was in support and Kanisha offloaded to a crashing Alli who was able to put it down in the corner. Conversion no good. Score 17-17. As time was winding down, Tempe launched its final attack, bringing the ball to just outside the 22. Nor Cal came in from the side and it was penalty to Tempe. With no time on the clock, Christen Suda stepped up and coolly slotted the kick. The whistle was blown and the comeback was complete. Final Score Tempe 20 – Nor Cal 17.

Tries: Terri Wilson (55 min), Alea Newman (66 min), Alli Underhill (75 min)
Conversions: Christen Suda
Penalty Kicks: Christen Suda (80 min)

Heart of the Game: Terri Wilson
110 % Hammer: Chelsea McIntosh
Big Hit: Christen Suda (game winning kick with no time left)
Forward of the Game: Chelsea McIntosh
Back of the Game: Toni Fujiwara