Emerging star's hat-trick powers Cook Islands past Papua New Guinea in Pacific Championships
Updated . First published at
The Cook Islands shrugged off a slow start to hand Papua New Guinea a 34-6 loss at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday afternoon.
Known as a finisher in the corner, Paulina Morris-Ponga starred for the Moana in tough conditions, scoring a hat-trick.
Papua New Guinea launched a series of repeated attacks near the Cook Islands' try line early, building towards scoring.
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Paulina Morris-Ponga of the Cook Islands scores a try against Papua New Guinea. NRL Images
Orchids lock Emily Veivers broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, charging over from close range to score the opening try before kicking the successful conversion.
Following the try, play was briefly paused while Fleur Ginn received treatment for a leg injury. The centre went down after being caught in the tackle by opposing players as the points were scored.
Shaking off its slow start, the Cook Islands swiftly hit back with a try from Morris-Ponga.
The visitors then followed up almost immediately, securing back-to-back tries as halfback Chantay Kiria-Ratu powered over to give the Moana the lead.
Cook Islands players celebrate a try against Papua New Guinea during the Pacific Championships. NRL Images
Morris-Ponga completed a first-half double, crossing in the left corner after receiving a slick, fast-paced pass.
Just before the break, Hannah Makira added the Moana's fourth unanswered try of the half.
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Warming to the task and boosted by the strong breeze, the Cook Islands carried a dominant 20-6 lead into the break.
Picking up where they left off, the Moana extended their lead after Memory Paitai executed a slick show-and-go.
With the Orchids frequently held up, opposing prop Kerehitina Matua barged over next to the posts.
A hat-trick by Morris-Ponga proved the icing on the cake for a comprehensive victory.
Morris-Ponga is not contracted to an NRLW club, instead playing for the Akarana Falcons in the New Zealand Rugby League.
