LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Aiken showed pure class and the Jillaroos reigned supreme in the Cup final, dominating the Kiwi Ferns with a 24-4 victory at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
The Jillaroos avenged last year's final loss to the Kiwi Ferns with an impressive display, capping off a month of absolute dominance in the Pacific Championships where they outscored their rivals 122-4.
In a game that started with no penalties and no errors for the first nine minutes, the Jillaroos made their mark early as slick passing on the right edge saw Julia Robinson cross for the first try, giving them a 4-0 lead.
Despite a penalty in the 11th minute giving the Jillaroos more field position, a mistake by Millie Elliott halted their momentum.
But they extended their lead in the 16th minute when Aiken and Tamika Upton combined to set up Isabelle Kelly for her third try of the tournament with a powerful fend on Abigail Roache.
The Kiwi Ferns tried to lift their intensity towards the end of the half, but the Jillaroos' strong goal-line defence kept them at bay.
A 40-30 kick by Ali Brigginshaw then set up Tiana Penitani to power over and increase the Jillaroos' lead to 12-0.
The brilliance of Aiken and the Jillaroos' relentless defence set the tone for the final, securing their victory and cementing their place as champions.