The Women’s Māori All Stars secured a 16-12 victory over the Indigenous All Stars on Saturday afternoon, thanks to a remarkable performance by Zali Fay and some gutsy defense.
Fay was the star player of the match, scoring the opening and winning tries, and also making a critical covering tackle when the game was tied at 12-12.
Co-captain Shannon Mato and Player of the Match award recipient, Gayle Broughton, also shone for the Māori, leading the team to its third win in the annual match.
The Māori started strong, scoring two tries in the first quarter and holding the Indigenous to a penalty goal, but the Indigenous narrowed the gap to 8-6 by halftime.
After Amy Turner scored to level the scores at 12-12, the Māori made a bold choice to decline an easy penalty in front. This brave decision was vindicated as Fay crossed over for the winning try on the next set.
