Finalists decided in day of high drama

CLOSE: Whangara goal shoot Sandee Porter (left) is closely marked by Karyn Matahia, of Waikohu. Picture by Paul Rickard

A handful of goals in two games of high drama decided the finalists in Gisborne premier-grade netball.

Whangara Old Girls will play YMP Sunshine Brewery after they won their semifinals at Victoria Domain on Saturday.

Extra time was needed before Whangara defeated Claydens Waikohu (1) 41-40.

YMP beat Taste One High School Old Girls 28-26.

Whangara were a goal up on Waikohu after 10 minutes (10-9), and four up at halftime (22-18).

But Waikohu clawed their way back into the contest to tie it up 35-all at three-quartertime.

“It was a very close, competitive game that had to be decided by an extra period of play,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“The close result was a testament to the netball skills of all players on court.

“Both coaches made changes but couldn't get the upper hand. Whangara pulled away by up to four goals a couple of times, but Waikohu pulled it back,” Beale said.

“It is very hard to single out individuals as both sides' players worked as a team with everyone doing their part on attack and defence and backing each other up.”

In the YMP-HSOG match, it was 8-8 after the first quarter, 17-15 to HSOG at halftime and 22-all at three-quartertime.

“It was another tough, intense game that could have gone either way,” Beale said.

“Close marking by both teams created many turnovers and all players had to work extra-hard to free themselves from their opposition, and then had to be patient in working the ball through the court.”

She said YMP stuck with their starting seven for the full game, while HSOG made a change through injury but reverted to their starting line-up in the last quarter.

“So, it's Whangara and YMP to decide the premier grade championship on Saturday, and Waikohu will play 2019 champions HSOG to decide third and fourth this season.”

In the other premier grade games on Saturday, Ritana Senior A beat Horouta Gold 36-24.

“The students played well, driving the ball speedily through the court, with players popping out to collect the passes,” Beale said.

“They worked together on defence and pressured Horouta into errors.”

Horouta finish their season in seventh position.

Then Gisborne Girls' High School Senior A got home against Ritana 22-19, meaning Girls' High finish fifth and Ritana sixth.

“It was another close game between the school teams, who have shown improvement this year,” Beale said.

“They have both gained confidence, especially working together as a team on attack and defence. They have displayed good netball skills and, at times, pushed the higher-seeded teams.

“Fingers crossed they can retain the bulk of their players for next year.”

In the other grades, the bottom four — except in First Reserve and Second Grade — finished their seasons on Saturday.