England women suffer last-play heartbreak against the Orchids
England hit back from 16-6 behind to level the scores, but the Orchids snatched their first Test win when stand-off Shirley Joe stepped through a tiring defence, the hooter sounding before the missed conversion attempt.
Buoyed by a 24-10 first Test victory in Goroka, the tourists made the perfect start at the national stadium in Port Moresby with a second-minute try from centre centre Tara-Jane Stanley, of Castleford Tigers, who then kicked a penalty to make it 6-0.
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Hide AdBut the Orchids led 10-6 at the break through tries from Carol Humei and Belinda Gwasamum, plus a conversion by Erswin Kaiat and Roswita Kapo added a third touchdown two minutes into the second half as the lead was extended to 10 points.
England rallied when Emily Rudge and Naomi Williams crossed and Stanley booted a conversion to level the scores, but the heat and humidity took its toll and a late error allowed Joe an opportunity to square the series. A biting allegation made by Rudge, England’s captain, was placed on report in the first half.
PNG Orchids: Schanubelt, Ravu, Gwassumum, Kaiat, Nanege, Joe, Malabag, Albert, Kapo, Paisoi, Humeu, Kaupa, Johns. Subs Emika, Awoi, Sabume, Monaei, Allan.
England Women: Beevers, Wilson, Williams, Stanley, Burke, Roche, Cunningham, Hoyle, Peach, Anderson, Rudge, Lacey, Marshall. Subs: Booth, Field, Renouf, Jones.
Referee: Chris Butler (Australia).