YMP’s slick links were on full display as the team worked together on attack and in defence for the full hour.
Shooter Paku-Jane Skudder played well before going off at half time. She positioned herself well in the circle, was strong in collecting passes and then finishing off.
At the other end of the court, defenders Bronya McMenamin and Keasi Fonohema put the students under pressure at every opportunity.
Fonohema pulled off some impressive intercepts. Likewise McMenamin, who showed excellent timing to collect several intercepts from jumping the shot.
The YMP defence was assisted admirably by midcourters Atu Mangu, Maia Rickard and Te Awa Clendon, who close-marked the opposition as they tried to bring the ball down court.
Girls’ High defender Joaquina Kaa hunted the ball and collected some crucial intercepts, and combined well with Kohine Aupouri to stem some of the flow to YMP’s shooters.
Naveah Rutene came on in the second quarter for the students and produced good shooting statistics — over 75 percent — including
a 100 percent rate in the last quarter.
The Waikohu-Horouta game was expected to be close and it delivered.
Like their previous encounter, either team would pull ahead only to be pegged back.
The quarter scores tell the roller-coaster story — 15-11 to Horouta after the first quarter; 27-26 to Waikohu at halftime; 42-39 to Horouta at the three-quarter break.
Both teams put the heat on the ball carrier in to create turnovers and were quick to go into attack mode to deliver the ball to their shooters.
Waikohu shooter Princess Tomoana collected many of the centre passes then drove quickly into the circle to finish off with goals.
Defenders Arihia Tuhua, Alex Sinclair, Humaria Higgins and Karen Matiaha combined well.
Horouta’s shooter O’Shae Rangihaeata, moved nicely in the goal circle. She combined effectively with Lexi Rutene to give the feeders options and shot with confidence.
Centre Skye Swann was speedy through the court, connecting both ends and forcing many turnovers with intercepts or tips.
Former Girls’ High player Skye Huhu settled quickly into her new team and worked well with Lucretia Taitapanui on defence to pressure every ball to Waikohu’s shooters.
The fourth quarter was intense with both sides grabbing intercepts, which brought the spectators excitedly and loudly into the game.
Nearing fulltime, with the score at 54-all and Waikohu in possession, Taitapanui intercepted and Horouta quickly delivered the ball to their shooter only for the buzzer to sound before they could shoot.
YMP are out on their own at the top of the table — 15 points clear of Whangara, with Waikohu third and Horouta rounding out the top four, although Girls’ High are within striking distance.
Other grade results (*losing bonus point for scoring within three or less goals) —
Prem Reserve/A Grade: Waikohu P2 32 Horouta Taimana 31*, YMP Masters 38 HSOG 31, FarmCare HSOG 42 Whalis 31, The Tav Sportsfit 32 Claydens Waikohu (2) 20, Old Girls Whangara 28 Gisborne Girls’ High Sr B 18.
A Reserve: Steve Craill Builder Ngatapa 34 Campion Snr A 28, GGHS Jnr A 32 Tyre General Ngatapa 24, Steve Craill Builder Ngatapa 31 GGHS Jnr A 31.
1st Grade: Claydens Waikohu (4) 39 Uawa Ngarangikahiwa 28, Horouta Hiriwa 37 OBM White 22, Uawa Ngarangikahiwa 32 OBM White 11, Brendan Fry Builder Sportsfit OG 31 Mike Pero Mortgages Thistle Storm 23.
1st Reserve: Whatatutu 32 OBM OG 25, Allwood Enterprises HSOG 33 Uawa Nui 17, Allwood Enterprises HSOG 36 OBM OG 20, XLR8 29 GGHS Tuakana 27*.
2nd Grade: Tatapouri Sportsfit (2) 19 YMP Manawanui 17*, Horouta Kohatu 26 Tatapouri Sportsfit Social 17.
