YMP go into tonight’s game on the back of a comprehensive victory over Horouta Gold in which they attacked and defended strongly.
Waikohu’s form has fluctuated in the past month but they dominated Gisborne Girls’ High School Senior A for three of the four quarters last week, their combinations working a treat.
Coach Cheryl Te Rito was much happier with that performance and is looking to continue in that vein.
“We will be without our normal goal attack, Ariz Ruru, tonight but we have the girls who can step up into that role,” Te Rito said. “We hope to produce a good game but at this stage there is no pressure on because we have already secured our spot in the top four playoffs.”
“As usual we will go out there and play our best and look to continue our improvement ahead of the playoffs, where it all really counts.
Tonight’s earlier game (6pm) pits sixth-placed Taste One High School Old Girls (13pts) against bottom-of-the-table Girls’ High (1pt).
HSOG got home comfortably but not entirely convincingly against a depleted Lytton Senior A last week. Girls’ High could pose a similar threat to them tonight.
“The students have shown real improvement in their past couple of games,” Hall said. “They could be in with a chance tonight. It will come down to which of the two teams treasures their ball the most.”
Girls’ High coach Dianah Foley was rapt with the determined showing her charges displayed for periods against Waikohu last week.
But the school holidays could have an impact on player availability.
HSOG coach Naomi Whitewood said her team would not under-rate them.
“I think both teams are going to have key players missing tonight so that should create an opportunity for others to step up and show what they can do. We will focus on continuing simple improvements in our play.”
Horouta Gold (28pts) complete the top four — well clear of fifth-placed Farmlands Ngatapa (14pts), with Lytton (6pts) seventh.
