Final fling for some

PRESSURE: Gisborne Girls’ High School wing attack Lily Hawea receives the ball under pressure from YMP’s Ata Mangu (left) and Kiana Ria. YMP play Ritana at the YMCA at 9am tomorrow. Girls’ High play Whangara Old Girls at 10.45am. Picture by Paul Rickard

The final round of games before next week’s premier-grade netball playoffs promises to be a thrill-fest, even though the top four teams are known.

Three premier games in the Pak’nSave competition will be held at the YMCA from 9am tomorrow.

Ritana Senior A from Lytton High School missed out on the top four after Claydens Waikohu won on Wednesday.

But no doubt the students, who have pulled off some sensational results in the past month, will want to go out guns blazing.

They take on YMP Sunshine Brewery at 9am.

“Although Ritana have shown great improvement this season, they will need to bring their best game to stop top-of-the-table YMP tomorrow morning,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“YMP moved the ball at speed on Wednesday night when they defeated Taste One High School Old Girls.

“Their understanding through the midcourt is returning.”

Lytton coach Claire Campbell said the team goal had been to make the top four.

“Other results have gone against us, but I am proud of the girls — the way they have taken on board the new style, the learning, and a new team environment,” she said.

“We have to restart every year with our line-up, unlike other established teams. That’s just the way it is with college teams.

“I think we have been the most improved team of the season, and we would like to finish our season strong.

“We have huge respect for YMP, so to take away a win against them tomorrow would be the ultimate finish for us.”

The 10.45am game between Whangara Old Girls and Gisborne Girls’ High School Senior A gives Whangara the chance to lock up second spot on the points table.

They lead HSOG by two points.

“Whangara have definitely been peaking at the right time and their links through court are working well,” Beale said.

“Girls’ High have shown improvement this season, but they will need to have all players working together for the whole hour if they want to win tomorrow.”

Whangara coach Ronnie Martin said her team knew they had to win tomorrow to ensure a second-place finish in round-robin play.

“Once tomorrow’s game is over we will know for sure if we are in a better position for the playoffs,” she said.

“We are peaking at the right time.

“We are getting a bit stronger with every game, and it gives the girls added confidence as a team.”

In the third match, at 12.30pm, High School Old Girls play Waikohu.

“Games have been close between these teams all season, so I am expecting the same tomorrow,” Beale said.

“Both of these teams will be determined to take this one and it will come down to the team who cherish the ball more and eliminate their errors.”

Across the road at Victoria Domain, the courts will be pumping tomorrow with the senior semifinals.