Higher-ranked teams prevail in premier grade

NETBALL

midweek premier-grade netball went the way of the higher-ranked teams at the YMCA last night, although one match was close till near the end.

The first of the Pak’nSave premiership games ended in a 65-34 victory to YMP Sunshine Brewery over Claydens Waikohu (3).

YMP jumped out at the start and at the end of a strong first quarter led 18-6.

By halftime they had put a 20-point gap on Waikohu (3), up 36-16, and the pressure stayed on in the third quarter, at the end of which they led 51-37.

“YMP had a dominant start, pressuring the Waikohu girls early,” Gisborne Netball Centre manager Allisa Hall said.

“A blood stoppage early in the first quarter required Waikohu to shuffle their starting positions and look to their bench early.

“YMP displayed some great through-court play, moving the ball with speed to their shooters.”

YMP extended their lead at the top of the points table.

The other match was much more competitive.

Waikohu (1) defeated Horouta Gold 54-46, but the final scoreline did not reflect how close the game was.

Waikohu (1) led 15-12 after the first 15 minutes, but at halftime Horouta led 26-24.

The game swung back in favour of Waikohu in the third quarter and they were in front again, 37-35, after 45 minutes of play.

“It was a tight tussle from the start, with the lead changing over the first three quarters,” Hall said.

“Both teams put defensive pressure on through the court, causing turnovers.

“Waikohu had a strong final spell to extend their lead and deny the Horouta girls a bonus point.”

Premier-grade action takes a break on Saturday and returns on Wednesday.

All other grades have the weekend off, too. Play resumes the following weekend.