Clash of the schools could be a highlight

TANGLED ARMS: YMP goal keep Raiha Campbell and Whangara Old Girls goal shoot Tiara Weir contest possession. Both teams have tough games tomorrow. Picture by Paul Rickard

The interschool clash between Gisborne Girls’ High School Senior A and Ritana Senior A from Lytton High School takes the spotlight in Pak’nSave netball grading tomorrow.

Matches between YMP and Waikohu, and Taste One High School Old Girls and Whangara could also be contenders for game of the day.

More than 80 games will be played on the Victoria Domain courts tomorrow, with the seniors to continue their challenge round, and the secondary and intermediate grades completing their last week of grading.

The premier games get under way at 10.25am when the two school teams go head to head.

“The clash of the schools is always an exciting encounter,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“Both teams have some very talented young players and have produced some good passages of play, although they have recorded only one win each so far in grading.

“Their wins were both against Horouta Gold and the winning margins were six goals and five.

“I expect their game tomorrow to be close.”

The other contender for match of the day would be the game between YMP Sunshine Brewery and Claydens Waikohu, also at 10.25am.

“That will be another good clash,” Beale said.

“YMP have had three wins from three games so far. However, last week’s score against Whangara Old Girls was close . . . they won it by only two goals.

“Waikohu suffered their first loss last week, to Taste One HSOG by eight goals, but they beat Whangara by seven.

“Both Waikohu and YMP have experienced players and will know the strengths and weaknesses of their opposition.”

At 12.30pm, both YMP and Ritana have their second match of the day.

“Even though the students are improving and displaying some good netball, they will need consistency for the full game if they want to beat the defending champions,” Beale said.

The final premier grading game starts at 2.20pm with Taste One HSOG up against Whangara Old Girls.

“HSOG have started the season well, with the whole team working together on attack and defence,” Beale said.

“Whangara brought out a good performance last week and were only pipped at the end by top-seeded YMP.

“If they can produce the same play as last week, they will make HSOG work for every goal. I expect another good game.

“The courts will be busy from 8.40am tomorrow through to 3pm.”

Horouta Gold have the weekend off with a bye.