Horouta Gold and Waikohu (1) win thrillers

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Midweek premier-grade netball at the YMCA last night produced two close games enjoyed by a large crowd of spectators.

In the first match-up, Horouta Gold beat Gillies Electrical Gisborne Girls' High School Senior A 59-53, after the students had led at each of the three quarter-breaks.

They led 16-13 at the end of the first quarter, 30-28 at halftime and 45-43 at three-quartertime.

“Both teams played well and it was a close scoreline for the full hour,” netball commentator Sherrill Beale said.

“The goal-for-goal situation continued into the last quarter but Horouta Gold's players were steadier and pressured their young opponents into errors.

“That enabled Horouta to take the lead and then edge ahead, and the six-goal margin denied the students a bonus point.”

The second match last night was just as thrilling and entertaining, and Claydens Waikohu (1) only just sneaked home against clubmates Waikohu (3) 55-53.

Waikohu (3) led 15-13 after 15 minutes, then 29-27 at halftime.

But Waikohu (1) were ahead 43-35 at the end of the third quarter.

“This was another close game for the full hour,” Beale said.

“Waikohu (1) were more controlled with their passes and movement in the third quarter.

“They worked as a team throughout the court, pulled back the deficit and led by eight goals at the third quarter-break.

“Then when they pulled away to a 10-goal difference in the last quarter it looked like they would take out a convincing win,” Beale said.

“However, at this stage, Waikohu (3) stepped up their defence and worked together to create turnovers, especially in their opponents' goal third.

“With two minutes to go, the 10-goal deficit had been whittled down to four and the crowd lifted their support.

“It was a desperate two minutes for both sides, with Waikohu (1) managing to hold on for a win.

“Their opponents earned a well-deserved bonus point.”

The win puts Waikohu (1) at the top of the table alongside YMP Sunshine Brewery.