“However, HSOG kept the pressure on and slowly pulled the gap back. With one and a half minutes to go, the score was locked up at 42-all.”
The possibility of extra time loomed large.
“At 43-all the clock was counting down the last seconds, the ball was in the HSOG attacking circle and it was put through the goal net just before the final whistle.
“It was a great game to decide the second finalists.”
Beale said it was hard to single out players as both teams worked together on attack and defence.
“They both created space to collect passes, pressured the ball carrier, made impressive intercepts and worked the ball in to their shooters.”
Thrilled HSOG coach Tanya Owen said it was hard to find the words to describe how the win felt.
“The girls were pretty ecstatic, to take a win in the last few seconds was pretty epic.
“It was a feeling of tremendous elation for us all.”
Owen said it was a hard-fought game.
“My girls fought for the whole 60 minutes, and I believe they have a whole lot more in them for Saturday’s final against Whangara Old Girls.
“Kudos to YMP. They have dominated premier netball here for the past few years, and they are still a young team that can carry on for many more years.
“They are a pretty phenomenal team and I am so proud of the way our team performed against them when it really mattered.”
YMP coach Ingrid Brown said she felt her team had done their club proud.
“It was not the result we wanted and the girls are disappointed.
“I’m always proud of them, and of our supporters, who were with us until the end of our season.”
Injured YMP midcourter Renee Wikaire, forced to watch from the sideline for the past few weeks, said the girls were “gutted” to lose.
“But it was a great game from both sides and there is always next year.
“I feel the girls all played so well last night.”
YMP finished their season in third position.
It will be the first time in five years that YMP have not featured in the final.
In the other match last night, Ritana Senior A from Lytton High School were comprehensive winners in the playoff for sixth and seventh.
They defeated Gisborne Girls’ High School Senior A 58-39.
Ritana led throughout — 17-11 at the end of the first quarter, 27-25 at halftime and 45-33 at three-quartertime.
“They played controlled netball and worked together,” Beale said.
“Girls’ High were pressured into errors, which proved costly in the end.
“Both teams made changes, but it was Ritana’s night.”
Ritana finished in sixth spot and Girls’ High, seventh.
The men’s league rolls around tonight, with three more games at the YMCA. The Joops take on BDPC at 5.45pm, Uawa play Big M at 6.45pm and LHS play The Noogies at 7.45pm. “Big M and The Noogies are sitting on three wins from three games,” Beale said. “Uawa lost by one goal last week, so I expect them to come out strongly tonight.”
