Different team, same winning story for YMP

Whangara Old Girls defender Te Aria Henwood (left) and YMP (1) shooter Kawaiwhakaheke Winiata tussle for the ball under the goal in a Premier Grade netball game at the YMCA on Saturday. Competition leaders YMP powered to a 57-33 win over second-placed Whangara.Picture by Paul Rickard

YMP (1) stamped their authority yet again on Premier Grade netball with a commanding victory over Whangara Old Girls in the YMCA on Saturday.

Turanga FM YMP (1) won the top-of-the-table Gisborne Pak’nSave competition game 57-33, leading through every quarter — 12-9, 27-15 and 47-22.

It was a competitive start from both teams. Players zipped around the court, delivering long passes, interspersed by some impressive intercepts from which the ball was sent rapidly back to the other end.

In the second quarter, though, YMP stepped up a notch, intensifying their defensive pressure and controlling the game — as shown by the quarter scores.

Centre Ata Mangu drove at speed, linking both ends and delivering pinpoint accurate ball to shooters Kawaiwhakaheke Winiata and Jayda Banks.

The pair worked in unison in the goal circle, giving their feeders options and clinically finishing.

Winiata positioned herself well and collected some great lobbed balls — the usual pass attackers send to regular shooter Paku-Jane Skudder, who is at the world netball champs in South Africa.

At the other end, Keasi Fonohema, Bronya McMenamin and Maia Rickard worked tirelessly, pressuring every Whangara pass and creating many turnovers.

Whangara tried several combinations but were unable to stop YMP’s confident flow of ball.

YMP extended their perfect record this season to 11 consecutive points round victories. They advanced to 44 points, 11 ahead of Whangara who remain second.

Gisborne Girls’ High Senior A overwhelmed Character Roofing YMP (2) 70-37 in the second Premier clash of the morning.

The students are sometimes guilty of making a slow start but were out of the gates quickly in this one as everyone worked together.

Their lead was extended by every break in a comprehensive display.

Girls’ High shooter Kassie Owen had a strong, confident game over the three quarters she played.

Owen held her opposition well and moved at the right time to collect the ball cleanly.

She also combined well with fellow shooter Sage Brown, and both gave their feeders options.

Jamie Rika, who has been out injured for a couple of weeks, came on in the last quarter and helped her side increase their lead.

Defenders Joaquina Kaa and Piper Donaldson put immense pressure on the YMP (2) shooters and collected many intercepts and tips.

Wing defence Hinerauiri Cotter-Luke chimed in with with several intercepts of her own.

Girls’ High’s team defence strategy was especially noticeable in the last quarter during which they smothered YMP (2)’s options and outscored them 19-7.

YMP (2) shooter Kellan Kemp patrolled the goal circle well, giving her feeders options and making some good shots, but it was a tough battle against the students’ robust defence.

YMP (2) made changes at each break but the pressure was relentless, causing errors which Girls’ High were quick to capitalise on.

The win saw Girls’ High leapfrog Horouta Koura into fourth although Horouta have a game in hand.

As the competition closes in on the semifinals (on August 9), YMP (1) lead on 44 points (with one game to play); Whangara are on 33 (1 game to go); Claydens Waikohu (1) 27 (2 games); Girls’ High 22 (1 game); Horouta 21 (2 games); Farmlands Ngatapa four (2 games); and YMP (2) two points (1 game).