Wins to High School Old Girls, YMP in Gisborne Premier midweek netball

YMP's powerhouse defensive unit of Keasi Fonohema-Williams (GK) and Bronya McMenamin made the going tough for their Horouta Gold opponents in Premier Grade netball on Wednesday night. YMP won 60-41. Photo / Paul Rickard

The scores did not reflect the competitiveness of the two Gisborne Premier Grade netball games in the YMCA on Wednesday.

Taste One High School Old Girls defeated Gisborne Girls’ High School Senior A 56-36 and Turanga FM YMP beat Horouta Gold 60-41.

HSOG led all the way – 14-10 after the first quarter, 27-20 at halftime and 42-29 at the three-quarter break.

Both teams started fast and furious and it was virtually goal for goal for the first quarter.

In the second quarter, HSOG gradually pulled ahead by opening up the court with fast and lengthy passing and delivering quality ball for shooters Marcia Beale and Lauren Bennett to finish off.

The links between their attacking end worked well and they were able to pull further ahead in each quarter.

GGHS made several changes and tried various options to deliver the ball into their shooters, but they were up against powerful circle defence from Alex Sinclair, Kelly Wood and Joaquina Kaa, who created many turnovers.

The second game was similar to the first.

YMP were up 11-10 after the first 15 minutes, 28-19 at halftime and 42-31 heading into the last quarter.

It was another game that started goal for goal, as both teams played a fast game in efforts to gain the upper hand.

YMP were more calculated in their passing in the second quarter and halfway through had a nine-goal advantage.

Both teams made changes and the third quarter was another goal-for-goal period, highlighted by some quality intercepts and attacking movements.

YMP put their foot down in the fourth quarter, pressured Horouta’s ball carrier and created turnovers, which they quickly capitalised on.

It was a solid win to YMP, but play was more competitive than the score indicated.

Netball takes a break this Saturday because for the Matariki holiday weekend.