Molowia stars for PNG in opening win
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A pair of impressive finishes from fullback Martha Molowia either side of half-time helped propel Papua New Guinea to a 34-12 victory over Canada, marking their first ever Women's World Cup win.
Molowia smashed her way through would-be tacklers on a run down the sideline for her first just before break to give PNG a 8-6 lead, before carving through for another just a minute into the second half.
Through the opening 20 minutes it was Canada who dominated proceedings, and they enjoyed plenty of scoring opportunities throughout the match, but too often the last pass was missing when space presented on the edges.
After Papua New Guinea opened the scoring on 24 minutes, the Ravens led momentarily thanks to a converted try, but from the 37th minute onward the Orchids controlled the match.
Five second-half tries, three of which were converted, was enough to see Papua New Guinea to a comfortable victory, despite Canada hitting back with one of their own on the hour mark.
Match: Papua New Guinea v Canada
Round 1 -
home Team
Papua New Guinea
away Team
Canada
Venue: Emerald Headingley Stadium, Leeds
Match Snapshot
- It was Papua New Guinea's first ever World Cup win in what is their second time competing in the tournament.
- Dragons NRLW front-rower Elsie Albert laid a solid platform for PNG, running for 168 metres in a 49-minute stint.
- In addition to scoring two tries, Martha Molowia ran for 238 metres.
- Megan Pakulis was enormous for the Ravens, carrying the ball for 300 metres and scoring a try in the second half.
- Despite claiming victory, the Orchids missed 64 tackles, compared to Canada's 44.
- PNG centre Shellie Long was taken from the field for a HIA 13 minutes from full-time.
- After a number of missed opportunities for both sides, Long battled her way over for the first try on 24 minutes.
- An inability to defuse an in-goal grubber saw Papua New Guinea concede six minutes later, with Petra Woods on the spot to dot down for Canada, with Dani Frananda converting to give her side a 6-4 lead.
Martha's magic
- But minutes from the break Molowia produced a stunning finish down the left edge to give the Orchids an 8-6 half-time lead.
- Molowia was at it again a minute into the second period, this time with a carving run which saw her round the fullback to extend the lead.
- Pakulis gave Canada a chance on the hour mark with a try, but Papua New Guinea hit straight back with a try to hard-running forward Essay Banu.
- Belinda Gwasamun and Anika Butler each went over in the final five minutes to blow the final scoreline out.
What's Next
Host nation England, who were convincing first-up winners over Brazil, await Canada, while Papua New Guinea head to Hull to take on Brazil in their second match.
