The Waikato women have moved into second in the Farah Palmer Cup premiership after grounding out a 29-22 win over the winless Otago Spirit in Dunedin.
Waikato second-five Chelsea Alley in action against Auckland in a Farah Palmer Cup match in 2020. Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga 2020 / www.photosport.nz / Photosport Ltd
Waikato raced out to a 24-3 lead in the first-half but Otago fought their way back and missed a conversion that would have drawn them level.
Loose forward Kennedy Simon sealed the win for Waikato with their fifth try midway through the second-half.
Victoria Edmonds scored two first-half tries for the visitors, while Chelsea Alley and Mia Anderson also dotted down for Waikato.
Daimzel Rongokea, Cheyenne Cunningham and Teilah Ferguson scored Otago's tries.
Waikato have moved ahead of Auckland, Counties-Manukau and Wellington on the premiership table and are now two points behind defending champions Canterbury.
With a bonus point Otago have risen to sixth, above Bay of Plenty.
The Wellington Pride earlier snatched a 26-25 win over premiership rivals the Counties-Manukau Heat in the capital.
Harmony Ioane scored a try in the 82nd minute to secure victory for Wellington, who trailed Counties for the majority of the match.
Ayesha Leti-I'iga and Georgia Daals also crossed for tries for the Pride, while first-five Amanda Rasch kicked three penalties and a conversion.
Prop Kalo Cuthers scored two tries for the Heat, with Shannon Muru scoring their other.
Counties first-five Hazel Tubic kicked two conversions and two penalties but missed a drop goal attempt in the 76th minute.
The result moves the Wellington Pride into fifth in the premiership table, just a point behind the Counties-Manukau Heat, who have played an extra game.