Both teams had to work hard to get the ball through the court and in to their shooters.
Players had to bring out different strategies to free themselves of their opponents, so they could collect passes, which made for exciting netball.
In the first three quarters, both teams pulled ahead by a couple of goals only to be pegged back, which added to the drama for the supporters.
Both teams’ goal attacks — Princess Tomoana (Waikohu) and O’Shae Rangihaeata (Horouta) — played well. They moved at speed in and around the goal circle, positioning themselves to collect the ball from various types of passes and then finishing off with goals.
Waikohu’s Jessica Ruru and Horouta’s Ngahuria Akania delivered some great passes to their respective shooters.
Trailing by three heading into the last
15 minutes, Waikohu came out with intent, scoring a flurry of goals to level it 41-all.
The goals kept coming and just a few minutes later Waikohu were leading by four.
The entire team worked together determinedly on defence, causing errors from Horouta’s ball carriers and forcing turnovers, which they were quick to capitalise on.
They ended up winning the quarter by an emphatic 23-10.
Defending Premier champions YMP (1) led all the way against their clubmates — 28-89 after the first quarter; 45-21 by halftime and 65-27 at the three-quarter mark.
They were speedy through the court, with all players linking seamlessly, and made effective use of the high ball into Keasi Fonohema, who was playing at shooter rather than her usual goal keep position.
YMP (2) made changes but struggled to get the ball through what was a sea of YMP (1) players across the court.
Premier netball continues on Wednesday at the Y. Whangara Old Girls face YMP (2) at 6pm. Horouta Koura play Gisborne Girls’ High Senior A at 7.30pm.
Other senior results (*bonus point for losing by three goals or less) — Prem Reserve/A Grade: Waikohu P2 28 Claydens Waikohu (2) 15; Down to Earth Natural Health OG Whangara 34 HSOG 24; Horouta Taimana 34 YMP Masters 25; The Tav Sportsfit 30 Whalis 20.
A Reserve: ATS OBM Blue 23 Tyre General Ngatapa 18; Steve Craill Builder Ngatapa 32 Campion Snr A 21.
1st Grade: Horouta Hiriwa 31 OBM White 12; Claydens Waikohu (4) 29 Mike Pero Mortgages Thistle Storm 28*; Uawa Ngarangikahiwa 28 Brendan Fry Builder Sportsfit OG 15.
1st Reserve: Uawa Nui 20 GGHS Tuakana 18*; Allwood Enterprises HSOG 29 OBM OG 14; XLR8 29 Whatatutu 22.
2nd Grade: Tatapouri Sportsfit Social 22 Tatapouri Sportsfit (2) 19*; Gis Glass Ngatapa 24 YMP Manawanui 22*.
