Barnstorming start to premier competition

NETBALL

GISBORNE’S premier grade netball competition got off to a barnstorming start at the YMCA last night when Gisborne Girls’ High School went within two goals of beating Waikohu.

Claydens Waikohu won the game 51-50 after they had trailed Girls’ High at every quarter break — 12-14, 25-29 and 35-39.

“It could have gone either way,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

Beale said Girls’ High just let it slip away in the last five minutes.

“The experience of Claydens Waikohu brought them home,” she said.

“I think both teams’ defenders played well, especially in the goal circle, and made the shooters work for every pass.”

Waikohu coach Cheryl Te Rito said it was a really good, tough game.

“Girls’ High really took it to us. We were lucky and relieved to walk away with four points.

“My girls seemed a bit flat. It took too long for them to really settle and get into the game, so we will have to work on that for the games to come.”

Te Rito said some work-ons came out of the game.

“Well done, Girls High. They were exceptional,” she said.

“They were awesome and have come a long way since we played them in grading.”

The students picked up a valuable bonus point.

In the other premier grade match at the YMCA last night, Taste One High School Old Girls were too strong for Champers Motor Lodge Horouta Gold and led throughout to win 52-36. The scores at the quarter breaks were 14-13, 29-17 and 43-25.

“HSOG put in a whole team effort on attack and defence to steadily pull away,” Beale said.

HSOG coach Tanya Owen said the scoreline did not really reflect the game as a contest.

“My team did not play as well as they could, and we have some work to do ahead of the harder games they will play this season.

“To their credit, Horouta kept coming back at us.”