Guts and talent on show in playoff

AERIAL PLAY: Tracey Babbington-Maynard, wing attack for Whangara Old Girls, takes a pass int he playoff game against Ngatapa on Saturday. Whangara won by 50-49. Picture by Paul Rickard

YMP (1) remain on track to become Pak’nSave Gisborne Premier Netball champions without losing a game, but they were forced to show they have guts as well as talent in a hard-fought 44-40 playoff victory against IMS High School Old Girls.

The games started with both teams playing well on the counter, HSOG working the flanks well and YMP accurate in their long passes.

They exchanged goals through a low-scoring quarter until YMP’s passing vision resulted in three goals in the last two minutes.

This allowed YMP to take the quarter 11-9.

The second quarter was again too tight to call, with YMP centre Kiwi Campbell’s hard running providing impetus for YMP’s attacks.

For High School Old Girls, Tanya Owen was the main creative outlet, providing her attackers with killer ball after she moved from centre to wing attack.

Although both teams made unforced errors in their opponents’ circle as the tension mounted, HSOG did just enough to go to the halftime break with a 19-18 lead.

Defensive pressure from YMP in the third quarter allowed them to retake the lead halfway through the third quarter, as YMP’s tireless midcourt were rewarded for their non-stop off-the-ball running.

YMP took a one-goal lead into the final quarter but HSOG pursued them relentlessly, levelling scores four times through the quarter.

With just five minutes left on the clock the scores were level at 40-all, before good defensive work from YMP goal keep Tia Akurangi and Bronya McMenamin allowed YMP the platform they needed to score a quick-fire quartet of goals in the closing minutes for a four-goal winning margin and a place in the 2015 grand final.

YMP co-coach Irene Takao said she was very happy with the result and the performance of her players.

“I like the way everyone handled themselves out there,” she said.

“Some calls didn’t go our way but they adjusted and carried on. I’m very proud of all the players.”

Takao said the introduction of Kyrah Dewes at wing defence halfway through the game and the resulting interceptions were crucial factors in the win.

HSOG player-coach Jo Bennett said her team had performed well but they would need to look after the ball better against Whangara in the second semifinal on Wednesday.